Published Apr 10, 2026 | 10:03 PM ⚊ Updated Apr 10, 2026 | 10:03 PM
Billboards reading boycott of 2026 Tamil Nadu elections have been plastered in Paraicheri village. (Supplied)
Synopsis: During the meeting, officials stated that action would be taken based on the court’s verdict, citing the Model Code of Conduct and the case currently pending before the court. Officials indicated that steps are underway to rectify the records, with the renaming proposal currently under consideration.
Following a report by South First, on the issue of residents of North Achamthavilthaan village in Srivilliputhur taluk of Virudhunagar district staging an election boycott protest, demanding that their village should no longer be referred to as “Paraicheri” and “Parakkudi”, a consultative meeting was held on 9 April, under the leadership of the Returning Officer for the Srivilliputhur Assembly constituency.
During the meeting, officials stated that action would be taken based on the court’s verdict, citing the Model Code of Conduct and the case currently pending before the court. Officials indicated that steps are underway to rectify the records, with the renaming proposal currently under consideration.
However, the villagers have refused to accept this response, stating that they will not participate in the elections unless an immediate assurance is given for changing the village’s name.
The report highlighted the concerns raised by residents of a Dalit hamlet in Achamthavilthan Revenue Village, where the locality was referred to as “Paraicheri” in Election Commission records. The residents of the hamlet told South First that they would boycott the 2026 Assembly elections unless the allegedly derogatory name is removed from official records.
Residents said the continued use of the term in electoral documents was offensive and reflected entrenched social discrimination.
Earlier on 7 April, Virudhunagar DEO said that a renaming proposal was sent. The district administration said it has taken cognisance of the residents’ representation and is actively addressing the issue.
“The District Administration is actively addressing the representation from the residents of the hamlet in Achamthavizthan Revenue Village. A formal proposal to rename the locality has already been sent. We will pursue the matter and resolve the issue,” the DEO said.
The District Administration is actively addressing the representation from the residents of the hamlet in Achamthavizthan Revenue Village. A formal proposal to rename the locality has already sent. Will pursue and resolve the issue https://t.co/epwCeMfIzv
— Deovnr (@deovnr) April 7, 2026
