Controversy Erupts Over Voter Registration in Tamil Nadu

The Election Commission refutes former minister P Chidambaram's claims concerning the sudden addition of 6.5 lakh voters in Tamil Nadu, associating it with ongoing voter revisions in Bihar. Chidambaram suggests illegal migrant voter registration, igniting debate on electoral integrity. The EC insists such allegations are false, reaffirming voter registration rights.

The Election Commission has refuted allegations made by former Union Minister P Chidambaram regarding a purported addition of 6.5 lakh voters to Tamil Nadu's electoral rolls. Chidambaram linked this to the special intensive revision underway in Bihar, claiming illegal voter registrations of migrant workers in Tamil Nadu.

Chidambaram raised concerns about electoral interference, alleging disenfranchisement risks in Bihar and illegal voter registrations in Tamil Nadu. He questioned the Commission's authority to exclude voters from Bihar found to have permanently migrated.

In response, the Election Commission asserted Chidambaram's claims as misleading. Citing constitutional rights and the Representation of the People Act, the EC clarified that voters can register in constituencies where they reside. The Commission emphasized no SIR exercise has occurred in Tamil Nadu, denouncing false information intended to disrupt voter registration activities.

(With inputs from agencies.)