TVK to hold statewide protest in Tamil Nadu on November 16 against electoral roll revision

Chennai: The Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), led by actor-turned-politician Vijay, has announced a statewide protest on Sunday, November 16, against the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, voicing concerns over voter inclusivity and transparency.

According to senior party leaders, coordinated demonstrations will be held across all district headquarters in Tamil Nadu from 11 am, with state-level office-bearers leading key protests and zonal and union-level leaders overseeing mobilisation efforts at the grassroots.

TVK’s central contention is that the SIR exercise, currently being conducted by the Election Commission of India, could lead to procedural lapses resulting in the exclusion of eligible voters. The party has raised concerns over alleged shortcomings in the door-to-door verification process and potential errors in the draft rolls.

Party insiders described the protest as both a political demonstration and a public-awareness campaign, aimed at safeguarding what it calls the “democratic right to vote.”

“The message going down to the cadre is clear - this is about protecting the democratic right to vote. Every district unit has been asked to engage with the public, distribute awareness leaflets, and explain how the SIR could affect ordinary voters,” a senior TVK functionary said.

TVK’s district units have also been instructed to document local grievances related to the revision process, including issues involving Booth-Level Officers (BLOs), missing names, and inaccuracies in draft electoral rolls. These reports will later be compiled and submitted to the Chief Electoral Officer as a formal representation.

An official statement from Vijay is expected soon, outlining the protest plan, urging disciplined participation, and framing the agitation as a democratic intervention rather than a confrontation with election authorities.

With the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections approaching, political analysts say TVK’s move marks a significant escalation in its grassroots outreach and political messaging. The November 16 protest is set to be the party’s largest statewide mobilisation since its inception, signalling an effort to strengthen its organisational base ahead of the polls.

IANS