DMK-Led alliance stages statewide protests against ‘SIR’

In a powerful show of unity, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and its allied parties staged coordinated protests across Tamil Nadu today, condemning the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls being carried out by the Election Commission of India (ECI).
The alliance alleged that the revision process was being misused to disenfranchise genuine voters and manipulate electoral rolls under pressure from the Central BJP government. Demonstrations were held in major cities including Chennai, Thoothukudi, and Tiruvallur, drawing large crowds of party cadres and supporters.
In Chennai, a massive protest was led by DMK Treasurer T. R. Baalu near Sivananda Road, Chepauk, joined by R. Mutharasan, former CPI State Secretary, and senior alliance leaders. Participants carried placards and shouted slogans such as “Save Democracy, Stop SIR” and “Restore Voter Rights.”
DMK MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi spearheaded the protest in Thoothukudi, strongly criticising the ECI’s actions. “This so-called revision is not about accuracy — it’s about exclusion. The attempt to erase voters from the list is an attack on democracy itself,” she said, addressing the gathering.
At the Mint area in Chennai, MDMK General Secretary Vaiko led alliance members in protest, joined by CPI(M) State Secretary K. Balakrishnan, Chennai Mayor R. Priya, and several DMK and Left leaders. They demanded that the Election Commission immediately halt the “biased” revision and ensure transparency in the process.
A separate demonstration near Panagal Maaligai in Saidapet was led by Tamil Nadu Congress Committee President K. Selvaperunthagai, with DMK and Congress functionaries participating. Protesters raised slogans against what they described as a “coordinated attempt to tamper with Tamil Nadu’s democratic framework.”
In Tiruvallur, DMK Organising Secretary R. S. Bharathi led the protest, accompanied by Congress MP Sasikanth Senthil and local leaders. The protesters urged the ECI to withdraw the SIR exercise, warning that they would intensify their agitation if the process continued.
Alliance partners VCK President Thol. Thirumavalavan and DK President K. Veeramani also voiced strong opposition, stating that the SIR amounted to a “political weapon” being used to influence the upcoming elections.
Security was tightened across the state as the demonstrations drew large crowds but concluded peacefully.
The DMK-led alliance announced that today’s protests mark the beginning of a broader campaign to protect the integrity of Tamil Nadu’s electoral system. “Our fight will continue — on the streets and in court — until the rights of every voter are secured,” the alliance leaders declared.