Is Udhayanidhi Stalin Right to Accuse the BJP of 'Engineering Selective Voter Cleansing'?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Udhayanidhi Stalin accuses the BJP of manipulating electoral processes.
- The SIR process is under scrutiny due to allegations of selective voter cleansing.
- Monsoon preparedness measures are in place for effective governance.
- Calls for an all-party meeting indicate a collaborative approach to addressing electoral integrity.
- Political tensions remain high ahead of upcoming elections.
Chennai, Nov 2 (NationPress) Tamil Nadu's Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin has fiercely criticized the BJP-led Union government, claiming it is "distorting democracy" by exploiting the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter rolls to "engineer selective voter cleansing" in the lead-up to the forthcoming elections.
While addressing the media after initiating the MRT1 Chargebee Chennai Runs 2025 marathon at Napier Bridge, Udhayanidhi Stalin alleged that the BJP is engaged in a strategy of "retaining favorable votes and eliminating unfavorable ones" in states where elections are imminent.
"In regions approaching elections, the BJP is overtly participating in actions that bolster its chances. They are leveraging the SIR process to remove votes that could oppose them. In Tamil Nadu, they can never clinch victory through the people's mandate, which is why they resort to these tactics," he asserted.
He noted that Chief Minister M.K. Stalin convened an all-party meeting to discuss the matter.
"We will consult all political factions before arriving at a unified position," he emphasized, stating that reports from Bihar have already unveiled similar discrepancies during the voter-list revision process there.
When inquired about the internal dynamics within the AIADMK, Udhayanidhi Stalin refrained from commenting, humorously stating, "This is precisely why I previously suggested that ‘Edappadi’ K. Palaniswami should remain as the permanent General Secretary," a remark interpreted as a jab at the opposition's internal turmoil.
On governance issues, the Minister for Youth Welfare and Sports Development mentioned that the state government has implemented extensive measures for monsoon readiness.
“The civic and PWD departments are executing road repair and flood-mitigation initiatives across various districts to ensure effective drainage and minimal disruptions,” he added.
When asked about the recent letter from the Enforcement Directorate to the DGP, Udhayanidhi Stalin responded: "The relevant Minister has already provided a reply. We are ready to engage with any inquiry in accordance with the law."
Regarding actor Ajith Kumar’s comments about the Karur stampede tragedy, he stated: "The Chief Minister has already addressed this. The CBI investigation is ongoing, and I prefer not to elaborate further. Whatever Ajith expresses is his personal view, and I hold that in regard."