“Electoral Reform Is a Democratic Fraud” – Vaiko Alleges
Speech at the Secular Progressive Alliance Protest Against SIR
(Chennai, Thangasalai – 11.11.2025)
Addressing a massive protest organised by the Secular Progressive Alliance against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, MDMK General Secretary Vaiko launched a sharp attack on the Union Government, the Election Commission of India, the RSS, and Hindutva forces, accusing them of attempting to strip citizens of their voting and citizenship rights.
Vaiko began by thanking the DMK leadership for providing the platform and acknowledged leaders from alliance parties, including VCK leader Thol. Thirumavalavan, ministers, MPs, MLAs, alliance party representatives, and the massive gathering of people.
Vote Is the Foundation of Democracy
Vaiko asserted that voting rights are the very foundation of democracy, recalling that Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, despite global opposition at the time, ensured universal adult franchise for India immediately after Independence.
“The voter is the final sovereign in a democracy. Attempts are now being made to snatch away that sovereignty,” he said.
SIR as a Tool of Suppression
Vaiko alleged that the SIR process is deliberately designed to exclude millions of voters, particularly the poor, migrant workers, daily labourers, and marginalised communities.
He sarcastically redefined SIR as:
- S – Sabotage
- I – Intolerable
- R – Regimentation
Calling it a calculated conspiracy, he said nearly 75 lakh voters are being targeted for deletion through procedural manipulation.
RSS–Hindutva Agenda Warning
Vaiko referred to the Dharma Sansad held in Allahabad in February 2022, where extremist resolutions were allegedly adopted, including:
- Renaming India as “Bharat”
- Declaring Varanasi as the capital
- Denial of voting rights to Muslims and Christians
- Imposition of Sanskrit and Hindi as the only official languages
He accused the BJP and RSS of silently endorsing this agenda and using the Election Commission as an instrument to implement it.
Historical Perspective & Democratic Struggle
Drawing from India’s freedom struggle, Vaiko recalled:
- Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s confrontation with Hitler, asserting Indians’ democratic capability
- The sacrifices of countless freedom fighters
- Tamil Nadu’s long tradition of social justice, linguistic rights, and federal resistance
He warned that India is not a monolithic nation, but a union of diverse nationalities, cultures, and languages.
Criticism of Political Opportunism
Vaiko sharply criticised political leaders who, he said, failed to act responsibly during public tragedies, contrasting them with Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, whom he praised for humane governance, immediate response during crises, and respect for democratic values.
Call for Mass Awareness & Resistance
Vaiko urged citizens to:
- Ensure their names are not removed from electoral rolls
- Remain vigilant even if temporarily away from home for work or travel
- Actively resist SIR through legal, political, and democratic means
“This is not just about voting rights. This is about citizenship itself,” he warned.
Legal and Political Battle
He highlighted that:
- DMK, MDMK, VCK, Congress, and Left parties are challenging SIR in the Supreme Court
- Statewide protests have been organised to create public awareness
Conclusion
Vaiko concluded with a rousing call:
“Let SIR be withdrawn. Let it be defeated. Let it be destroyed.
We have no fear of elections.
Let elections come—DMK will return to power with an even greater mandate.
Let us pledge that M.K. Stalin will once again sit in Fort St. George as Chief Minister.”
He ended with the slogan:
“Down with SIR! Long live Democracy!”