T.N. Minister demands action against Dindigul Collector, Tahsildar; claims names of many voters removed as ‘shifted’

Tamil Nadu Rural Development Minister and DMK senior leader I. Periasamy on Sunday urged the Election Commission of India (ECI) to take stern action against Dindigul District Collector S. Saravanan and Tahsildar Muthumurugan, accusing them of not following rules in the ongoing electoral roll Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise in the district.

Addressing journalists in Dindigul, Mr. Periyasamy said he had received complaints from a large section of eligible voters from pockets such as Chinnalapatti and other segments in Athur Assembly segment that their names have been removed as ‘shifted’ from the constituency.

Minister said he had immediately called Collector and informed him to ensure the SIR exercise was done in a fair and transparent manner. “What was the hurry to close when December 4 (since extended) was the last date…” he questioned. Mr. Periyasamy sought to know from the officials (Collector and Tahsildar) as to who gave them the powers to act in such an ‘irresponsible manner’.

He said he had learnt through many booth agents that the Booth Level Officers (BLO) had reportedly described over 20,000 voters as ‘shifted’ on instructions from the Tahsildar and Collector.

“Out of about 26,000 voters in Chinnalapatti Town Panchayat, around 7,200 eligible names of voters were termed as ‘shifted’. The BLOs in the town panchayat limits have received orders from the Tahsildar and the Collector to complete the exercise by today (November 30)….” he claimed.

Though the ECI had announced that special camps would be open on November 29 and 30 for people to physically check and submit relevant details, so that they can ensure that the names remained in the voter list, the officials had not conducted the camp, Mr. Periasamy said.

The minister, who represents Athur Assembly, said he is thoroughly aware of the constituency. A majority of the voters are daily wage earners. Many others are engaged in selling textile goods. They go to different towns for about three-four days in a week and return to their homes after doing their businesses. When such is the nature of work for the common man, the officials had forced the BLOs to complete the exercise without even understanding the basic principles. This is unfair and action should be taken by the ECI against the Collector and Tahsildar, Mr. Periasamy stressed.

In every ward in Chinnalapatti, the ECI should independently cross check and include the names of the eligible voters. Such negligence may not have happened anywhere else in Tamil Nadu and thus he wanted justice at once for the people and vowed to fight it with the people’s support.