Tamil Nadu CM Stalin Slams Centre over Amendment to Election Rules

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Monday launched a scathing attack on the BJP-led Union government, accusing it of undermining democracy through an amendment to Section 93(2)(a) of the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961.

In a post on X, Stalin alleged that the amendment curtails transparency in elections by limiting public access to key election documents, including CCTV footage from polling booths. “Democracy is facing its gravest threat under the BJP-led Union government with the reckless amendment of Section 93(2)(a) of the Conduct of Election Rules, to kill the transparency in election,” Stalin wrote.

The amendment, enacted on the Election Commission’s recommendation, restricts access to electronic records such as CCTV footage, webcasting material, and video recordings of candidates during elections.

Stalin highlighted that the amendment followed a directive from the Punjab and Haryana High Court, which had sought CCTV footage of a polling booth. He accused the Union government of acting out of fear stemming from alleged irregularities in elections, particularly in Maharashtra and Haryana. “By preventing public inspection of election documents, including CCTV footage, the Union Government has destroyed one of the basic features of the Constitution,” Stalin said.

The Chief Minister also criticised the Election Commission of India (ECI) for its perceived inaction, accusing it of bowing to pressure from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government. “Instead of fighting for institutional integrity, the Election Commission has succumbed to pressure and participated in defacing its own child – the free and fair election,” he remarked.

Calling the amendment a severe threat to democratic principles, Stalin urged all political parties, including BJP allies, to oppose the move. “I appeal to all political parties, including those in the Union Government, to counter this undemocratic assault on the free and fair elections of our Nation,” he stated.​