DMK Calls Key MP Meeting as Stalin Steps Up Anti-SIR Push

• DMK MPs to discuss SIR controversy in Chennai
• Stalin condemns reported detentions of protest leaders
• Party explores possible new opposition alignments
• Delimitation debate adds to political uncertainty

GG News Bureau
Chennai, 17th Oct: The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) has called a crucial meeting of its Members of Parliament in Chennai amid ongoing protests against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The meeting, to be chaired by party president M. K. Stalin, is expected to discuss the SIR issue and the party’s political response.

Stalin has strongly criticised the detention of protesters in recent days. On Thursday, he condemned the reported detention of Citizens for Justice and Peace (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke ahead of a proposed Tiranga march, demanding the immediate release of those detained and disclosure of their whereabouts.

In a post on X, Stalin described the reported detentions as illegal and inhumane, warning that attempts to suppress peaceful protests would only strengthen the movement. He also used the hashtag #GyaneshKumarMustGo.

Earlier, Stalin had questioned the detention of CJP leaders Ashutosh Ranka and Saurav Das following a flash protest at Jantar Mantar. He said the DMK would extend legal assistance to CJP in its campaign.

The developments come as the DMK is reportedly exploring the possibility of bringing together a group of parties outside the existing opposition arrangement. Reports have suggested that the party has approached CJP and some regional leaders, while speculation has also emerged about a possible meeting between Stalin and Dipke.

The DMK’s distance from the Congress following their political separation in Tamil Nadu has added to questions about the future of opposition unity. Any new arrangement could alter political equations within the INDIA bloc, although the contours of such a front remain unclear.

The SIR controversy has also triggered a political exchange between the DMK and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), led by actor-turned-politician Vijay. While the TVK has joined the anti-SIR protests, it has accused the DMK of enabling the revision exercise in Tamil Nadu and described Stalin as responsible for it. The DMK, meanwhile, has criticised the TVK over its electoral success.

The political developments are unfolding amid reports that the Centre may convene a special session of Parliament later this month to revisit the delimitation and women’s reservation bills, which failed to secure passage earlier this year. The DMK has been a vocal critic of delimitation.

Government sources have reportedly indicated that the BJP is engaging with the DMK, which has 22 MPs, and hopes to secure its support. The discussions are said to include a proposed across-the-board 50 per cent increase in seats. However, the status of any negotiations and the DMK’s position remain unconfirmed.