MK Stalin Backs CJP’s Anti-SIR Protests, Rules Out Alliance With ‘Backstabber’ Congress

DMK Backs CJP’s Anti-SIR Movement, Stalin Slams Congress Over ‘Backstabbing’

The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) has extended its support to the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)-led protests against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. However, the party has ruled out participating in any joint activity with the Congress, which has been spearheading the political campaign against the Election Commission.

The DMK’s position was outlined in a resolution adopted at a meeting of party MPs chaired by party president and former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Saturday. The resolution demanded Gyanesh Kumar’s removal, the withdrawal of SIR and the restoration of ballot papers. It also accused the Congress and the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) of adopting double standards on the electoral roll revision exercise.

Referring to the CJP and other student-led movements, the resolution expressed support for protests against SIR organised by democratic forces.

“The DMK stands with the youth of India,” DMK deputy general secretary and parliamentary party leader Kanimozhi Karunanidhi said on Friday after participating in a student protest against SIR in Chennai.

DMK Signals Support for CJP, Rules Out Joint Action With Congress

Responding to questions about a possible alliance with the CJP, DMK MP A Raja said the organisation had not yet transformed into a political party. He referred to Congress leader P Chidambaram’s assessment that the CJP could eventually emerge as a political force and make a significant impact, adding that he shared that view.

Despite backing the protests, the DMK reiterated that it would not join hands with the Congress in any activity, accusing the party of attempting to take political credit for a movement driven by students and young people.

The DMK’s position highlights its support for the anti-SIR campaign while maintaining a clear distance from the Congress-led political mobilisation against the Election Commission.

Stalin Condemns Detention of CJP Leaders

Stalin has stepped up his criticism of the Centre over the detention of CJP leaders and protesters. On Thursday, he condemned the detention of CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke ahead of the Tiranga march, questioning the authorities over the whereabouts of the detained activists.

“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,” Stalin wrote on X.

He ended the post with the hashtag #GyaneshKumarMustGo, asserting that the Union government had no other option.

The DMK chief had earlier criticised the detention of CJP leaders Ashutosh Ranka and Saurav Das following a flash protest at Jantar Mantar in Delhi.

“How many protestors can this government detain? How many young voices can the BJP silence?” Stalin had asked in another post.

He also pledged legal assistance from the DMK to support the CJP’s campaign, reinforcing the party’s backing for protests against SIR and the Election Commission leadership.