AIADMK Alleges Irregularities in BLO Appointments During SIR Process

AIADMK has raised serious allegations against the Election Commission of India (ECI), claiming that the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Tamil Nadu is being carried out with irregularities in the appointment of Booth Level Officers (BLOs). The party stated that many of those appointed as BLOs are not qualified government employees, as required, but rather contract workers and individuals with limited educational backgrounds.

In a petition submitted to Chief Electoral Officer Archana Patnaik, AIADMK advocates’ wing secretary I.S. Inbadurai pointed out several specific cases to highlight the alleged discrepancies. For instance, in the Chepauk–Thiruvallikeni constituency, one BLO, identified as Murali, reportedly works as a gym watchman with only a Class III education. Another person named Bhavani, who is serving as a DMK booth-level agent (BLA-2) for Part No. 131, has allegedly been appointed as the BLO for Part No. 97.

The opposition party claimed that such appointments undermine the neutrality of the election process and could lead to manipulation or inaccuracies in voter data collection. The petition demanded that the ECI review the list of BLOs across the state and replace unqualified or politically affiliated individuals with eligible government staff.

DMK Launches Special Cell to Address SIR-Related Complaints

Meanwhile, the ruling DMK has announced the formation of a special cell at its headquarters, Anna Arivalayam, to address complaints related to the SIR process. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin said that while the Election Commission has already provided a helpline for reporting SIR-related issues, the party decided to establish its own mechanism to ensure quick resolution of grievances raised by its cadre.

The special cell will function under the supervision of the party’s legal wing, headed by advocate N.R. Elango. Stalin explained that if any DMK member faces confusion or difficulty during the SIR verification process, they can reach out directly to the cell for guidance. The cell has already received over 600 calls in a single day, according to sources, reflecting the intensity of voter verification activities across the state.

Stalin also instructed the legal wing and the special cell to present the compiled complaints and findings to the Election Commission of India to ensure transparency and fairness in the ongoing process.

AIADMK and MDMK Criticize ECI Over Alleged Bias and Haste

Adding to the growing tension, AIADMK and MDMK have both expressed dissatisfaction with the way the Election Commission is handling the SIR process. MDMK, led by Vaiko, alleged that the revision is being conducted hastily, potentially favouring the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). During a recent administrative committee meeting, the party also passed a resolution criticizing the ECI’s decision to link the SIR process with the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), arguing that such a move exceeds the Commission’s authority.

At the same meeting, MDMK urged the Tamil Nadu government to hold public consultations with residents affected by quarrying activities and to provide proper compensation for damages.

Meanwhile, AIADMK leaders accused the ruling party of using the SIR process as an opportunity to influence electoral rolls. They argued that by placing BLO appointments under local political influence, the integrity of voter verification may be compromised. The party demanded that the Election Commission intervene immediately to ensure the process remains neutral and free from political interference.

Stalin’s Remarks on Vigilance and Electoral Responsibility

During his recent address at a wedding function, Chief Minister Stalin reminded party members of their responsibility to remain vigilant throughout the SIR process. He warned that if enumeration forms distributed by BLOs are not filled and submitted on time, many eligible voters especially labourers, villagers, and people from financially weaker sections may lose their right to vote.

He also drew attention to irregularities reported in other states, citing Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s comments on issues in Haryana. Stalin emphasized that such situations must be prevented in Tamil Nadu through active participation and monitoring by booth-level agents. Also Read: Bihar SIR Voter Turnout: Remarkable 64.66% Reveals Electoral Truth

The Chief Minister further spoke about the resilience of DMK’s history, recalling the hardships faced by party leaders during the Emergency period. He said that those who attempt to destroy the party’s legacy “will never succeed,” reinforcing DMK’s commitment to democratic values and organizational unity.

Conclusion

As the SIR verification continues across Tamil Nadu, the AIADMK’s allegations of irregular BLO appointments and the DMK’s proactive measures through its special cell have added political tension to an already sensitive process. With opposition parties demanding transparency and the ruling party urging vigilance, all eyes are now on the Election Commission to ensure that the voter list revision remains fair, accurate, and free from political bias.