CHENNAI: NTK chief coordinator Seeman on Saturday alleged that the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls had inverted democratic norms, claiming that “earlier voters chose rulers, but now rulers are choosing voters.”

Speaking to reporters here, Seeman said nearly one crore voters had been deleted in Tamil Nadu during the SIR process. He faulted the Election Commission of India (ECI) for proceeding with large-scale deletions without first rectifying errors in the rolls. “How is it possible to add missing voters within just two months? People will be forced to fight to restore their voting rights,” he said.

He alleged that instead of restricting deletions to deceased or migrated voters, the SIR exercise had resulted in the removal of large numbers of eligible voters, calling it unacceptable in a democratic country.

Seeman also accused the ECI of selective silence, alleging that it failed to act against the distribution of Rs 10,000 each to voters in Bihar and claimed similar practices had occurred in Uttar Pradesh. “When votes are purchased, governments lose the mindset to serve the people,” he said.

The NTK leader further criticised the State government’s Magalir Urimai Thogai scheme of Rs 1,000, describing it as a form of bribery and urging that the funds be redirected towards other welfare measures.