Stalin-led DMK resolution backs CJP protests, demands Gyanesh Kumar’s removal; snubs Congress

Chennai: The DMK has thrown its weight behind the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protests against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, while ruling out joint action with the Congress, which has been spearheading the political campaign against the poll body.

The party's position was outlined in a meeting of DMK MPs chaired by party president and former Chief Minister MK Stalin at the party headquarters, Anna Arivalayam, in Chennai on Saturday.

The meeting adopted four resolutions, demanding the removal of Gyanesh Kumar as Chief Election Commissioner, supporting protests by student organisations, condemning the Congress and the ruling TVK for what it described as double standards on electoral roll revision, and seeking corrective measures to address electoral irregularities.

The DMK also called for the complete cancellation of SIR, the restoration of ballot paper voting in place of electronic voting machines (EVMs), and the submission of a petition to the President of India.

The party's resolution explicitly referred to the CJP and other student movements, extending support to protests launched by democratic forces against SIR.

"The DMK stands with the youth of India," Kanimozhi Karunanidhi, DMK deputy general secretary and parliamentary party leader, had said after participating in a student protest against SIR in Chennai on Friday.

However, the party has distanced itself from the Congress, accusing it of attempting to appropriate a movement that gained momentum through student and youth mobilisation. The DMK reiterated that it would not participate in any activity alongside what it called the "backstabbing" Congress.

Asked whether the DMK would align with the CJP, MP A Raja said the outfit was yet to become a political party. Referring to Congress leader P Chidambaram's assessment that the CJP had the potential to evolve into a political party and make an impact, Raja said he shared the same view.

Stalin condemns crackdown on CJP protesters

Stalin has been vocal in his criticism of the Centre's handling of the protests, particularly the detention of CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke ahead of the Tiranga march.

On Thursday, Stalin questioned the whereabouts of Dipke and Neha, alleging that detaining them without disclosing their locations was illegal and inhumane.

"Where is @abhijeet_dipke? Where is @neha_aisa? Detaining them without disclosing their whereabouts is blatantly illegal and deeply inhumane. The Union Government must release them immediately and stop suppressing peaceful protests. Every attempt to crush the movement will only make it stronger," he posted on X.

Ending his post with the hashtag #GyaneshKumarMustGo, Stalin added that the Union BJP government had "no other option".

Earlier, he had also criticised the detention of CJP leaders Ashutosh Ranka and Saurav Das during a flash protest at Jantar Mantar in Delhi.

"How many protestors can this government detain? How many young voices can the BJP silence?" Stalin had posted.

He also said the DMK would provide legal assistance to the CJP in its struggle.