DMK president seeks halt to Special Intensive Revision, impartial probe into reported objections by two Election Commissioners
Chennai, Sept 2026 : Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) president M.K. Stalin on Wednesday demanded the immediate removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, citing reports that two other Election Commissioners had repeatedly raised objections to decisions concerning the electoral rolls and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR).
In a statement posted on social media, Stalin also called for an immediate halt to the SIR exercise and sought an impartial inquiry into the functioning of the Election Commission. He said those found responsible for any wrongdoing should face appropriate action.
Stalin's remarks came after an investigation by The Indian Express reported that Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi had formally raised objections at least 14 times over a 10-month period. According to the report, the objections related to decisions involving the addition and deletion of voters, changes to voter registration procedures and the functioning and control of electoral-roll software.
The DMK chief questioned how decisions could have been taken without the knowledge or approval of two members of a three-member constitutional body. He said the reported developments raised concerns about transparency and could affect public confidence in the Election Commission.
The Election Commission, however, has rejected the suggestion that the reported differences amounted to a breakdown in decision-making. The poll panel said differences of opinion and observations were part of institutional deliberations and maintained that decisions relating to the SIR had been taken unanimously.
Stalin also raised questions over the role of Electoral Registration Officers (EROs), who are responsible under law for maintaining and updating electoral rolls. Referring to the reported objections, he alleged that restrictions in electoral-roll software had, in some instances, prevented officers from exercising their statutory powers, including adding eligible voters.
He further questioned the reported filing of appeals against decisions involving the inclusion of voters and asked who had authorised such appeals. The Indian Express report said Sandhu had sought clarification on who authorised and filed appeals concerning voters whose inclusion had been directed through the judicial process in West Bengal.
Stalin said these issues warranted an independent investigation into whether there had been any political interference in the electoral process. He also recalled that opposition parties, including the DMK, had previously submitted a notice seeking the removal of the CEC.
Renewing that demand, Stalin urged authorities to remove Gyanesh Kumar, suspend the SIR exercise and conduct a comprehensive inquiry into decisions taken within the Election Commission.
The controversy has intensified political scrutiny of the poll panel, with opposition parties demanding action against the CEC, while the Election Commission has defended its decision-making process.
