DMK Calls for CEC Gyanesh Kumar's Removal and Paper Ballots
In a recent meeting, DMK MPs demanded the ousting of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, citing concerns over voter list discrepancies.
DMK MPs allege CEC Gyanesh Kumar oversaw voter deletions.
The party advocates for a return to paper ballots to restore electoral integrity.
DMK plans to petition the President regarding the Special Intensive Revision process.
On October 17, 2026, a meeting of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) party's Members of Parliament convened to address serious concerns regarding the electoral process in India. The MPs unanimously called for the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, accusing him of overseeing the removal of voters' names during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, despite opposition from other Election Commissioners. The resolution, led by DMK president M.K. Stalin, emphasized the need for an inquiry into Kumar's actions.
The DMK's meeting also highlighted the party's push for a return to traditional paper ballots, arguing that recent controversies surrounding electronic voting machines (EVMs) have undermined public confidence in the electoral process. Allegations of discrepancies between the votes recorded on EVMs and the Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) slips have fueled the party's demand for counting VVPAT slips to ensure transparency. The DMK stated, "People’s faith in elections can be restored only by returning to the paper ballot system."
In addition to these demands, the DMK expressed its concern over the Election Commission of India's impartiality, claiming that public trust in the electoral body is waning due to perceived biases in its operations. The party plans to submit a formal representation to the President of India, urging the complete cancellation of the SIR process before the upcoming Assembly elections and insisting that future elections rely on the current electoral rolls.
The DMK's position on the SIR reflects its commitment to protecting voters' rights, asserting that the process should not disenfranchise citizens. The party called for adequate time for the addition and deletion of names on the electoral rolls to ensure every eligible voter can participate in the electoral process.
Furthermore, the DMK expressed solidarity with protests organized by student groups and the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), claiming these movements have been more impactful than those led by the Congress party. The DMK criticized Congress for its delayed involvement in the protests, alleging that the party has a history of betraying allies after initially benefiting from their efforts. The DMK's statements underscore a growing political tension in the region as the Assembly elections approach.
