“The Special Intensive Revision is an attempt to weaken democracy” : Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan

Chief Ministers of Kerala and Tamil Nadu oppose ‘Special Intensive Revision’ of electoral rolls

From the left, M.K. Stalin, Pinarayi Vijayan, and Abhishek Banerjee

Chennai / Thiruvananthapuram / Kolkata – The Election Commission of India has announced a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in 12 states and Union Territories. The process involves updating voter lists, adding new voters, and correcting errors. However, the Chief Ministers of Kerala and Tamil Nadu have openly opposed this move, calling it politically motivated and undemocratic.

Kerala CM terms the revision a threat to democracy

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan called the Special Intensive Revision a serious threat to democracy. He said, “When the issue of the special revision in Bihar is still pending before the Supreme Court on constitutional grounds, applying the same process to other states is unjustified. Kerala strongly opposes this attempt to undermine democracy and calls for united resistance to safeguard it.”

Tamil Nadu CM calls for an all-party meeting

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin convened an all-party meeting on 2 November to form a joint front against the SIR. His primary objection is the Election Commission’s insistence on Aadhaar as proof of citizenship. Stalin alleged that this process is a conspiracy to remove millions of genuine voters from the rolls. He also expressed concern that even migrant workers possessing valid documents may be arbitrarily included or excluded.

Political reactions

The ruling DMK (Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam) is likely to oppose the move both legally and politically, arguing that the revision could alter the voter demographics and potentially affect election outcomes.

In contrast, the AIADMK (All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam), an ally of the BJP, has welcomed the Election Commission’s initiative. Meanwhile, booth-level officials in West Bengal have expressed fears of possible violence during the revision process.