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Vijay urges Tamil Nadu citizens to verify voter list entries amid confusion over the SIR, warning lakhs may lose voting rights if errors in the SIR process are not corrected.
Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) founder Vijay. (X)
Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) founder Vijay on Saturday urged the people of Tamil Nadu to verify their names on the electoral rolls, warning that lakhs of eligible voters could risk losing their constitutional right due to widespread confusion surrounding the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists.
In a video message issued on X, the actor-turned-politician said he was “shocked” to know that many residents across the state had recently found that their names were missing from the rolls. Stressing that the right to vote is the “most fundamental identity of a citizen,” Vijay warned that an error or delay in the SIR process could temporarily deprive voters of their universal adult franchise.
He pointed out that Tamil Nadu is estimated to have 4.36 crore voters as per the last electoral count, yet many people are now being informed by Booth Level Officers (BLOs) that their names do not appear on the draft voter list. BLOs are responsible for field verification and for submitting accurate voter details before the revised rolls are published.
“Voting is not only our right but also our life,” he said, explaining that all 6.36 crore voters currently on Tamil Nadu’s rolls will retain their right to vote only after the Booth Level Officers (BLOs) verify updated enumeration forms.
He cautioned that many people were confused about whether the SIR amounts to verification, re-registration, or fresh registration, and said it is essential that citizens insist on getting an acknowledgement slip after submitting their forms. “I am saying this even to those who already have their names on the rolls,” he said.
Vijay advised new voters and first-time voters to fill out Form 6—either online or offline—and save proof of submission. Even those living abroad, he said, can download the SIR form, fill it out and submit it online. He urged voters to identify their BLO using the Election Department’s website and contact them directly if forms have not been delivered.
While emphasising the need to delete names of the deceased and weed out fake entries, Vijay questioned why those who have already voted in recent elections are being subjected to another round of scrutiny. “Why is there so much confusion in the name of registration for those who already voted?” he said, declaring that TVK “opposes” the current SIR process.
He issued a special appeal to first-time voters, whom he called a “powerful force,” urging them to ensure their documents and spelling in Aadhaar and voter ID match, as discrepancies could lead to rejection. “To disturb you, to not include your name, they will do all kinds of things,” Vijay warned, without naming any political party.
Calling for immediate corrective action, Vijay said issues in the SIR process must be fixed to protect the democratic rights of the people. “Our greatest strength in a democracy is our vote,” he said, encouraging the public to safeguard that power by ensuring their names remain on the voter list.
Last month, the Election Commission of India announced to carry out Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voters’ list in 12 states and union territories. Kumar said the first phase of the SIR was completed in Bihar with zero appeals. “The second phase will be conducted in 12 states and Union Territories. SIR will ensure no eligible elector is left out and no ineligible elector is included in poll rolls,” Kumar said at a press conference.
Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from Ben…Read More
Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from Ben… Read More
November 15, 2025, 17:30 IST
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