TVK SOP on Party Meetings Draws Sharp Criticism From Party Leaders
TVK SOP on party meetings has come under strong criticism from the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, which has accused the Tamil Nadu government of framing discriminatory rules that restrict the activities of emerging political parties. The party has alleged that the Standard Operating Procedure issued for conducting political meetings unfairly favours recognised political parties while placing excessive restrictions on newer entrants like the TVK.
Senior party leaders said the SOP has created unnecessary hurdles for organising public meetings and claimed that permissions are being selectively denied under the guise of administrative reasons. According to the party, such practices go against democratic principles and limit the right of political groups to reach out to the public.
The issue came to the forefront after the TVK was denied permission to hold a public meeting, prompting the party to openly question the intent behind the government’s guidelines.
TVK SOP on Party Meetings Raises Concerns Over Unequal Treatment
TVK propaganda general secretary K G Arunraj said the party had followed all required procedures while seeking permission for a public meeting in Vellore scheduled for February 8. However, the request was rejected on the grounds that a government programme involving the Chief Minister was planned at the same location.
He argued that such explanations were being used repeatedly to block the party’s events, while established political parties continue to receive approvals without similar obstacles. According to him, the SOP clearly prioritises recognised parties, leaving new political movements at a disadvantage.
Party leaders said the SOP contains a clause that explicitly gives preference to recognised political parties when granting permission for public meetings. They alleged that this clause has been framed in a way that directly affects the functioning of the TVK and restricts its political outreach.
The party also pointed out that permission for a public meeting in Salem was denied earlier, adding to their claim that the authorities are deliberately limiting their activities.
TVK SOP on Party Meetings Places Heavy Burden on Organisers
Another major concern raised by the TVK relates to the responsibilities imposed on event organisers under the SOP. The party alleged that the government and police authorities are shifting their duties onto political organisers by making them responsible not only for the meeting venue but also for surrounding areas.
Arunraj said this approach allows authorities to avoid their responsibilities related to crowd management and security. He claimed that such conditions make it extremely difficult for parties to conduct public meetings, especially those without the organisational strength or resources of larger parties.
The SOP also mandates that applications for permission must be submitted at least 30 days in advance if the expected crowd exceeds 50,000 people. The TVK described this requirement as unrealistic and impractical, stating that political mobilisation often depends on current events and public sentiment, which cannot always be predicted a month in advance.
According to the party, these rules effectively limit spontaneous public engagement and weaken grassroots political participation. Leaders said that while law and order considerations are important, the SOP appears to prioritise control over democratic access.
The TVK leadership maintained that their leader’s interaction with the public cannot be restricted through administrative measures. They said alternative arrangements would be made to ensure continued public engagement, despite repeated denials of permission.
Party representatives also accused authorities of selectively interpreting the SOP in a manner that disadvantages certain political groups while benefiting others.
TVK SOP on Party Meetings Seen as Test of Democratic Fairness
Political observers noted that the controversy surrounding the SOP has raised broader questions about equal treatment of political parties in Tamil Nadu. The TVK’s allegations have added to ongoing debates about how administrative rules are applied during politically sensitive periods.
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The party has urged the government to review the SOP and remove clauses that create unequal conditions. It has also called for transparent and uniform guidelines that apply equally to all political parties, regardless of their recognition status.
TVK leaders stated that democracy thrives on open participation and public interaction, and any rule that limits these rights must be carefully examined. Also Read: Tribal Dept to Team Up With Global Chess Body to Reshape Learning in Schools in 2026
Conclusion
The dispute over the TVK SOP on party meetings highlights growing concerns about fairness and access in political processes. As the TVK continues to challenge the existing guidelines, the issue is likely to draw wider attention to how administrative rules impact political participation in the state.
