Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Blasts Election Material Access Amendment

Chennai- Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin lambasted the recent amendment to the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961, as an "undemocratic assault on free and fair elections." The amendment, implemented on Saturday based on recommendations from the Election Commission of India (ECI), restricts public access to election materials, including CCTV footage, unless explicitly listed by the ECI.

Taking to X, Stalin stated that democracy is facing its most severe threat under the current BJP-led Union Government. He argued that the amendment, targeting Section 93(2)(a) of the Conduct of Election Rules, aims to undermine transparency in elections. He believes this move is a direct response to a Punjab and Haryana High Court order to provide CCTV footage of an election booth.

Stalin further criticized the ECI for allegedly submitting to pressure from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government, stating that the amendment undermines a fundamental feature of the Constitution – transparency. He expressed concerns over the BJP's recent electoral victories, particularly in Maharashtra, hinting at potential foul play.

The Chief Minister urged all political parties, including those aligned with the Union Government, to oppose this amendment, which he views as a threat to free and fair elections. He expressed shock that the ECI, instead of defending its institutional integrity, has willingly succumbed to the Union Government's influence, effectively defacing its own creation - free and fair elections.

This statement is made within the context of existing tensions between the DMK-led Tamil Nadu government and the BJP-led central government. The DMK-led alliance secured a resounding victory in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, winning all 39 seats in Tamil Nadu and the lone seat in Puducherry.