T.N. CM Stalin appeals to all parties to show solidarity by attending November 2 meeting against SIR

Shunning political differences, all parties should express solidarity by attending the proposed all-party meeting on November 2 in protest against the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral roll in Tamil Nadu, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has appealed.

Addressing a meeting in Tenkasi on Wednesday (October 29, 2025), Mr. Stalin said his government, which had faced three natural disasters since 2021, had successfully neutralised the serious consequences of these tragedies without Central assistance, besides implementing people-friendly welfare schemes. Even though the BJP-led Union government had adamantly refused to release Tamil Nadu’s plea for ₹37,000 crore to mitigate the consequences of natural disasters, the DMK government, using its own resources, was doing everything possible to achieve robust growth in all spheres.

The BJP was all set to impose another disaster on Tamil Nadu in the form of the SIR, after experimenting with it in Bihar. “Hence, I’ve invited the leaders of all political parties to join hands with us in opposing this move aimed at disrupting democracy by attending the all-party meeting to be held on November 2. Even though the Opposition parties have differences of opinion with the government, I appeal to them to stand with us to thwart this impending man-made calamity in the form of the SIR,” Mr. Stalin said, expressing hope that Tamil Nadu would once again overcome this move to protect the people and democracy.

On paddy procurement

Referring to the recent allegations regarding paddy procurement made by AIADMK general secretary and former Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami, the Chief Minister said his government, which had released water from the Mettur Dam well before the usual date of June 12 every year, had opened direct procurement centres across the State on September 1 for buying the harvested paddy from farmers. While an average of 28.70 lakh tonnes of paddy was procured annually during the AIADMK regime, the DMK government has surpassed this by procuring 42.61 lakh tonnes a year. In all, the DMK has purchased 1.70 crore tonnes of paddy over the past four years.

The Chief Minister claimed that his government had taken all necessary steps to keep the relief camps ready with essential requirements such as food, medical assistance, and other facilities during the monsoon season in Chennai.

Mr. Stalin distributed welfare measures, laid the foundation stone for new projects, and inaugurated completed schemes, all worth about ₹1,021.17 crore on the occasion. Though it was expected that he would make a concrete announcement about obtaining permission for the Tenkasi Medical College and Hospital from the Union government, no such assurance was given at the meeting.