Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK president M.K. Stalin has raised concerns over the Election Commission of India’s voter roll process, saying that a recent interview by Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar “raised more questions than it answered.”Stalin highlighted several issues regarding the deletion and inclusion of voters in the electoral rolls. He asked why eligible voters were removed despite house-to-house enumeration and whether young voters who turned 18 by the qualifying date were properly included. He also questioned if there was a database to verify their enrollment.
The Chief Minister pointed out practical barriers in the current electoral revision process, which requires two stages of appeal under the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960. Stalin warned that these procedures could lead to the exclusion of many voters in the upcoming Bihar assembly elections and possibly in Tamil Nadu during Special Intensive Revision exercises.
He also asked when the ECI would remove the names of deceased voters, referring to a DMK request from July 17, 2025. Another concern raised was the exclusion of Aadhaar as a valid document for voter verification, with Stalin urging the Commission to adopt more transparent and voter-friendly practices.
Stalin’s statements come amid criticism from the INDIA bloc, which has accused the ECI of inadequately addressing discrepancies in the voter rolls. With elections approaching and Special Intensive Revision exercises planned in several states, Stalin’s demands underscore the need for clarity, reform, and accountability in the electoral process.
