Vaiko terms SIR ‘murder of democracy’

The Election Commission of India’s (ECI) Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls is nothing but “murder of democracy,” said Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) general secretary Vaiko here on Wednesday (December 10, 2025).

Speaking to the media, he said that the BJP appears to be keen on setting its foot in Tamil Nadu by any possible means. “This is not going to happen,” he said, adding that there are reports that Election Commission authorities are planning to remove 75 lakh existing voters from the rolls and include 65 lakh names of “outsiders” in the list.

The BJP’s calculations would not work in Tamil Nadu, he said. He added that the DMK front was strong and that there was clear consensus among the allies. The front would emerge victorious, he said, adding that as said earlier, the DMK would return to power after the 2026 elections.

Praising Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin for his yeoman service to the needy, Mr. Vaiko said that the welfare programmes implemented by the State government — especially the free bus travel scheme for women — were now being followed by many progressive States in the country.

Likewise, he said, the breakfast scheme for children was also a timely initiative, enabling them to eat well, stay healthy, and study better.

‘Vijay’s CM aspiration to remain a dream’

To a query about Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) leader Vijay’s claim that the fight was only between the DMK and the TVK, Mr. Vaiko said that “not everyone from the celluloid world could become MGR.” “Mr. Vijay may aspire to become a big leader and Chief Minister. No one stops him from such a dream. But it shall remain only a dream,” he said.

Coming down heavily on Mr. Vijay, the MDMK leader said that after the stampede in Karur, which claimed 41 lives, the TVK leader should not have rushed back to Chennai, “which was his first mistake.” “It did not show him in good light,” Mr. Vaiko said. “Then, asking the legal heirs/relatives of the deceased persons to come to his residence [to a venue in Mamallapuram] was not liked by those who were grieving. Traditionally, people go to the house of the bereaved family members and express their condolences,” he pointed out.

When asked to comment on the raids by Central agencies in Tamil Nadu, Mr. Vaiko alleged that the BJP has been misusing its powers by letting Income Tax and Directorate of Enforcement officials to threaten the Opposition indirectly. “These things are not going to work here,” he asserted.

Mr. Vaiko said he would lead hundreds of youth on a padayatra (samathuva nadai payanam) from Tiruchi to Madurai on January 2, 2026, to promote brotherhood and fight drug abuse.