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Stalin backs CJP protests as DMK explores third front (Img: X)
New Delhi: The DMK has stepped up its opposition to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, backing the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protests against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar while keeping its distance from the Congress, which has been leading the political campaign against the Election Commission.
At a meeting of party MPs in Chennai, DMK president MK Stalin reportedly directed leaders to intensify their opposition to SIR and support the CJP agitation. He also made it clear that the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam would not work with the Congress, which he accused of being a "backstabber". The meeting, chaired by Stalin, was convened to discuss the SIR issue.
The party has decided to demand the scrapping of SIR and a return to the ballot paper system. It has also resolved to work closely with the CJP, accusing the Congress of "doublespeak" over the electoral revision exercise.
Stalin has been vocal in criticising the authorities' handling of protests against SIR. On Thursday, he condemned the detention of CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke ahead of the Tiranga march and warned that the crackdown would only strengthen the movement.
"Where is @abhijeet_dipke? Where is @neha_aisa? Detaining them without disclosing their whereabouts is blatantly illegal and deeply inhumane. The Union Government must release them immediately and stop suppressing peaceful protests. Every attempt to crush the movement will only make it stronger," he posted on X.
He ended the post with the hashtag #GyaneshKumarMustGo, adding, "The Union BJP Government has no other option."
Where is @abhijeet_dipke? Where is @neha_aisa?
Detaining them without disclosing their whereabouts is blatantly illegal and deeply inhumane.
The Union Government must release them immediately and stop suppressing peaceful protests. Every attempt to crush the movement will only make it stronger.
#GyaneshKumarMustGo. The Union BJP Government has no other option.
@cockroachisback @SFI_CEC @AISA_Official_ @Aishe_Ghosh @SauravDassss @AshutoshRanka @Dhruv_Rathee #CJP #Delhi
— M.K.Stalin (@mkstalin) October 16, 2026
Earlier, Stalin had also criticised the detention of CJP leaders Ashutosh Ranka and Saurav Das following a flash protest at Jantar Mantar.
"How many protestors can this government detain? How many young voices can the BJP silence?" he had posted.
How many protestors can this government detain? How many young voices can the BJP silence?
The more young people they jail, the more ordinary citizens, with no political affiliation, will take to the streets and show them the true power of the people!
Solidarity with @AshutoshRanka and @SauravDassss! The DMK stands ready to provide them with all necessary legal representation and support. ✊🏾
#CJP #GyaneshKumarMustGo
— M.K.Stalin (@mkstalin) October 14, 2026
The DMK chief also pledged legal assistance to the CJP in its campaign against SIR.
The DMK has reportedly been exploring the possibility of building a third political front, reaching out to the CJP and regional leaders in recent days. The initiative comes after the party's split with the Congress in Tamil Nadu, with Stalin increasingly distancing his party from the INDIA bloc.
Speculation has also emerged that Stalin could meet Dipke in the coming days. If the DMK succeeds in bringing regional parties and other groups together, the initiative could deepen divisions within the opposition alliance and reshape political alignments ahead of upcoming Assembly elections.
The political contest over SIR has also drawn in Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), led by actor-politician Vijay. The DMK has accused the ruling party of benefiting from SIR, even as the TVK has joined the anti-SIR protests. The TVK, in turn, has accused the DMK of "enabling the SIR" in Tamil Nadu and described Stalin as the "main culprit".
The DMK's political moves come amid speculation that the Centre could convene a special session of Parliament later this month to pursue the delimitation and women's reservation bills, which failed to secure passage earlier this year.
Stalin reportedly told party MPs that the DMK would decide its position on delimitation when the issue comes before Parliament. The party has been among the strongest critics of the proposed exercise.
Meanwhile, the BJP has reportedly opened channels of communication with the DMK, which has 22 MPs, following the party's break with the Congress. Government sources are said to be hopeful of securing DMK support, particularly after assurances of a 50% across-the-board increase in seats.
The developments point to a shifting opposition landscape, with the DMK seeking to expand its role in the anti-SIR campaign while keeping its options open on broader parliamentary issues.
