Chennsi, Oct 22:
Tamil Nadu Chief Electoral Officer Archana Patnaik will hold a consultative meeting with recognised political parties on October 23 to discuss the upcoming Special Summary Revision (SSR) of the State’s electoral rolls.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has sent official communication to 12 recognised political parties in Tamil Nadu, including the AIADMK, DMK, DMDK, Naam Tamilar Katchi, ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) and Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK). The meeting will take place at the old conference hall in the Secretariat.
The discussions assume significance amid criticism from political parties over the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise. The proposed meeting is expected to provide a forum for parties to raise concerns and discuss arrangements for the forthcoming revision of electoral rolls.
The SSR exercise is scheduled to begin in Tamil Nadu on November 12. During the month-long process, voters will be able to apply for the inclusion of their names in the electoral rolls.
The revision is an important exercise to ensure that electoral rolls are updated and eligible voters are able to exercise their franchise. Political parties are expected to focus on the procedures to be followed, the process for submitting applications and the steps required to address voters’ concerns.
The meeting comes ahead of the commencement of the revision process and will bring the State election machinery and recognised political parties together to discuss its implementation.