Chennai SIR protest: Activist urges TVK to join fight against voter disenfranchisement

A protest demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls was held in Egmore, Chennai, bringing together political leaders, activists, students and citizens.

DMK Deputy General Secretary and MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi, VCK leader Thirumavalavan, and former ministers Mano Thangaraj and Sekar Babu joined the demonstration.

Organised by five Chennai-based women — Radhika Ganesh, Nivedita Ravi, Sanjana, Cheryl and Archana — the protest was described as an independent citizens’ initiative unaffiliated with any political party. The organisers said the aim was to create a safe and inclusive space for young people and first-time protesters.

Activist Shiva said the central issue was the alleged disenfranchisement of voters, not the political affiliations of those participating. Referring to voter deletions and appeals in West Bengal, he questioned how elections could be fully representative if eligible citizens were unable to vote. He also urged TVK leaders and cadres to participate more actively in the campaign.

Representatives of the DMK, VCK, SDPI, Communist parties, Left organisations, students and independent activists joined the protest. Organisers appealed to people across Tamil Nadu to rise above party affiliations and unite to protect voting rights and democratic principles.