In a dramatic political statement that has sent shockwaves through Tamil Nadu's political landscape, former DMK minister V Senthil Balaji declared that the 2026 assembly election would mark the final electoral battle for the AIADMK in the state.
Massive Protest Against Electoral Revision
The bold prediction came during a significant protest organized by the DMK and its allies, collectively known as the Secular Progressive Alliance, in Coimbatore on Tuesday. The demonstration specifically targeted the Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) program, which the alliance claims threatens democratic rights.
More than 10,000 members from DMK and its partner parties gathered at Sivananda Colony to voice their opposition to what they perceive as an attempt to manipulate the electoral process. A similar protest was simultaneously staged in Dharmapuri, showing the widespread concern across Tamil Nadu.
Serious Allegations Against BJP Government
Senthil Balaji did not mince words when explaining his dramatic prediction. "The AIADMK is supporting the BJP government, which is taking away the voting rights of the people of Tamil Nadu," he asserted during his address to the gathered protesters.
The former minister elaborated on his concerns, stating that revising seven crore voters in such a short timeframe is nearly impossible. He pointed to the situation in Bihar as evidence, where he claimed that while 68 lakh people were removed from electoral rolls, only 21 lakh have been added back, leaving approximately 90% of removed individuals without reinstatement.
CM Stalin's Leadership and Historical Context
Balaji highlighted that Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin was the first political leader to register opposition to the SIR at the national level. He accused the BJP government at the Centre of having previously attempted to win elections through what he described as questionable means.
"They attempted to win elections through income tax and Enforcement Directorate raids and CBI actions but failed," Balaji claimed. "They are now planning to manipulate the vote through SIR to win elections."
The DMK leader emphasized the fundamental importance of voting rights, stating: "Voting is our right, and it is our right to decide whom to vote for." He called for extreme caution regarding the SIR activities and noted that while various BJP alliance partners have expressed reservations about the program, AIADMK leader and former chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami continues to support it.
The protests and Balaji's strong statements indicate escalating political tensions in Tamil Nadu as parties position themselves for the upcoming electoral battles, with the DMK making it clear they view the 2026 election as potentially decisive for their main opposition's future.
