A public war of words has erupted between TVK and the Congress over the controversy surrounding Chief Election Commissioner Gyaneshkumar and the ongoing special intensive revision of electoral rolls.
Opposition parties, including the Congress, have been staging protests across the country demanding that the Chief Election Commissioner step down, citing concerns linked to the voter list revision exercise.
In Tamil Nadu, TVK has not joined these protests and Chief Minister Vijay has not issued a statement on the matter. DMK deputy general secretary Raja urged Vijay to respond, as the debate intensified.
Speaking to reporters in Chennai, TVK minister Rajmohan said elections must be conducted fairly and independently, and argued that the special intensive revision should be used to carry out comprehensive reforms. He added that TVK would not become a “victim of diversionary tactics.”
The remarks triggered a strong reaction from Congress, a partner in the TVK-led alliance government. All India Congress spokesperson Mohan Kumaramangalam said it would be better for Rajmohan to remain silent than to “open his mouth and display his ignorance.” TVK functionaries later said they support reforms in the voter list revision process but do not agree with protests that single out the Chief Election Commissioner, insisting their focus is on protecting voter rights and finding issue-based solutions.
