Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin has strongly accused the Central government of disenfranchising minorities in the state through its Special Intensive Revision (SIR) drive. In a press conference on December 22, 2025, he alleged that this revision process was being used as a deliberate tactic to remove Dalits, Muslims, and minority votes from the electoral roll.
Allegations Against the SIR Drive
Udhayanidhi Stalin claimed that nearly 97 lakh names had been removed from the voter list across Tamil Nadu, with 14 lakh deletions occurring specifically in Chennai. He said that these deletions primarily affected vulnerable communities. Reiterating Chief Minister M. K. Stalin’s earlier statement, Udhayanidhi described the SIR process as more than an administrative measure; it was a “calculated move” to disenfranchise certain communities.
“I urge all Tamil citizens to verify their names in the voter list and ensure their right to vote is intact,” Udhayanidhi said. He assured that the DMK would assist anyone who found their name missing from the list.
Centre’s Influence on Tamil Nadu Politics
The Deputy Chief Minister also criticized Union Home Minister Amit Shah, accusing him of attempting to influence Tamil Nadu’s political landscape through external tactics originating from Delhi. Udhayanidhi specifically referenced Shah’s claim that the BJP was seeking to replicate its success in Bihar in Tamil Nadu, asserting that such statements were meant to intimidate the state’s electorate.
Udhayanidhi made it clear that the DMK would not allow such tactics to succeed in Tamil Nadu. “You may win in the north, but Tamil Nadu is politically conscious and will not bow to such intimidation,” he stated, reinforcing the state’s political independence.
A Call for Action
With the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections approaching, Udhayanidhi urged the people to take personal responsibility in verifying their voting rights. “If your name is missing, re-register immediately. We must protect our rights and ensure a fair electoral process,” he emphasized.
The DMK has promised to extend full support to those affected, assisting them with the re-registration process to ensure that no voter is left disenfranchised.
Political Confrontation Ahead
Udhayanidhi’s remarks are expected to escalate tensions between the state government and the Centre, with both the BJP and DMK gearing up for a heated electoral battle in the run-up to the 2026 elections. The BJP’s attempts to consolidate its presence in Tamil Nadu and the DMK’s defense of democratic rights and minority protection are likely to fuel further political confrontation in the coming months.
