Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), led by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, will attend the INDIA bloc’s consultative meeting on Saturday, October 3, with the proposed removal of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar expected to feature among the key issues.
TVK leaders Aadhav Arjuna and Maria Wilson are expected to represent the party at the meeting.
The participation marks TVK’s involvement in the opposition alliance’s discussions on the Election Commission and alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
The meeting follows a gathering of INDIA bloc leaders in New Delhi on September 30, where parties discussed a coordinated response to the SIR controversy and a fresh effort to seek Kumar’s removal.
CEC’s Removal Among Key Agenda Items
The opposition alliance is expected to discuss steps concerning the removal of Gyanesh Kumar from the post of Chief Election Commissioner.
The issue has gained prominence amid allegations by opposition parties regarding the handling of electoral roll revisions.
The INDIA bloc has also discussed preparing a fresh notice for a motion in Parliament seeking the CEC’s removal.
The constitutional process for removing a Chief Election Commissioner is governed by provisions that provide safeguards similar to those applicable to a Supreme Court judge.
INDIA Bloc’s September 30 Meeting
The opposition alliance had earlier met at the Constitution Club in New Delhi on September 30.
During that meeting, leaders discussed alleged irregularities in the SIR exercise, concerns over electronic voting machines (EVMs), and the demand for Kumar’s resignation.
The discussions also covered a possible joint agitation and a fresh parliamentary initiative seeking the CEC’s removal.
SIR Controversy Behind Opposition’s Demand
The controversy centres on the Election Commission’s voter roll revision process.
Opposition parties have raised concerns over alleged irregularities and the possibility of eligible voters being excluded from electoral rolls.
The Election Commission, meanwhile, has maintained that its procedures follow the law. It has also initiated a review of voter-roll changes and directed a special enrolment drive to identify eligible citizens who may have been left out.
TVK’s Position on the Election Commission Row
TVK has expressed opposition to alleged irregularities in the electoral roll revision process. However, the party has maintained a distinct position on some proposed remedies, including calls to cancel elections and return to ballot papers.
Its participation in Saturday’s consultative meeting is therefore significant in the context of discussions among opposition parties over the Election Commission and electoral reforms.
Opposition Parties Discuss Joint Action
The INDIA bloc’s discussions come amid protests and political demands concerning the functioning of the Election Commission.
Opposition leaders have sought greater transparency in electoral roll revisions and accountability over the allegations.
The proposed parliamentary motion and possible joint campaign are among the measures under discussion.
TVK’s representatives are expected to take part in the deliberations, while the alliance’s discussions will determine the next steps on the CEC issue and the wider SIR controversy.