DMK Stands With CJP: Kanimozhi Affirms Support Amid CEC Row
DMK MP Kanimozhi confirms party support for CJP leaders and demands the removal of CEC Gyanesh Kumar over voter disenfranchisement claims.
In a strong show of political solidarity, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) MP and deputy general secretary Kanimozhi has confirmed that her party has extended its full support to the CJP. Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Kanimozhi highlighted that the DMK stood by the CJP specifically during the period when its leaders faced arrests.
To demonstrate this commitment, Kanimozhi revealed that she personally attended a protest held in Chennai. She stated that her presence at the rally was intended to convey a clear message on behalf of her party leader and the organization that they are standing firmly with the CJP.
Demands for CEC's Removal
This expression of support comes amidst a broader political offensive by the DMK against the Election Commission. The DMK Parliamentary Party has adopted a resolution calling for the immediate removal of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar from his post.
The party is not only demanding his exit but is also calling for a formal inquiry into his conduct. The DMK has accused the CEC of leading a "systematic disenfranchisement" of legitimate voters through the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise.
The Battle Over Voter Rolls
The controversy centers on the SIR exercise, which the DMK claims has been used to illegally delete voters from electoral rolls. The party's grievances began in Bihar, the first state to implement the SIR. According to the party resolution:
- Early Warnings: DMK President M.K. Stalin raised concerns as early as July 2025, protesting the mass deletion of voters in Bihar.
- Grassroots Action: M.K. Stalin participated in the Voter Adhikar Yatra in Bihar to fight against the exercise, accompanied by Kanimozhi Karunanidhi.
- Expansion Fears: When the Election Commission announced on October 27, 2025, that the SIR would expand to 12 states, including Tamil Nadu, Stalin alleged that the BJP was attempting to extend a "conspiracy" to the south.
The DMK further argued that scheduling the exercise during November and December was impractical, as it coincided with the festive season and the monsoon.
Four Key Resolutions
The statements were part of a larger meeting of DMK Members of Parliament held at the Murasoli Maran Meeting Hall at Anna Arivalayam, led by M.K. Stalin. During this session, the party adopted four significant resolutions:
- Against the CEC: The demand for the removal of Gyanesh Kumar and an investigation into the SIR process.
- Student Solidarity: A resolution extending full support to protests led by student organizations.
- Criticism of Allies/Rivals: A resolution condemning the Congress and TVK, accusing them of maintaining "double standards."
- Electoral Reform: A decision that DMK MPs will submit a formal petition to the President of India demanding two major reforms to the electoral system.
The party emphasized that both the state government and DMK MPs in Parliament have consistently questioned the Election Commission's actions to protect the voting rights of citizens.