Coimbatore
December 18, 2025

The National Working Committee meeting of the Social Democratic Party of India was held on December 17 and 18 at Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. The meeting reviewed the prevailing political developments in the country and deliberated on issues posing a serious threat to democracy, constitutional governance, and the rights of citizens. The following views and decisions were placed before the press.

The committee strongly condemned the so called SIR exercise, describing it as a calculated and systematic attempt to delete genuine voters from electoral rolls across several Indian states. SDPI observed that under the pretext of verification and rationalisation, large numbers of voters belonging to minorities, migrant workers, economically weaker sections, and politically marginalised communities have already been removed or marked as doubtful. In many instances, voters became aware of their deletion only on polling day, effectively disenfranchising them without prior notice, hearing, or remedy. Such actions violate established electoral laws, due process, and the constitutional guarantee of universal adult franchise. The committee further noted that these exercises have been selectively implemented in opposition ruled and electorally sensitive regions, clearly indicating political intent. SDPI asserted that the Election Commission, instead of acting as an independent constitutional authority, is functioning hand in glove with the BJP regime, enabling mass disenfranchisement to manipulate electoral outcomes and capture power through misuse of state machinery.

The National Working Committee also condemned the renaming of MGNREGA to VB G RAM G, stating that this reflects the BJP’s ideological intolerance and its refusal to acknowledge the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi. The committee observed that the central government is systematically weakening this vital rural employment scheme by shifting financial burdens onto state governments, delaying fund releases, and imposing rigid compliance conditions, thereby pushing the scheme towards gradual dismantling. SDPI termed this move unacceptable and worthy of strong public condemnation.

The issue of political prisoners in Indian jails was discussed at length. The committee noted that after the BJP assumed power at the Centre, dissenters, activists, journalists, and opposition voices have been systematically targeted and imprisoned under draconian laws. Democracy in India, SDPI stated, is reeling under the expanding tentacles of authoritarianism. The continued incarceration of SDPI National President MK Faizy on fictitious and malicious charges was cited as a clear example of political vendetta. SDPI called upon the people of India not to succumb to fear and to continue their democratic struggle against this ruthless and unjust regime.

The National Working Committee further announced that the Social Democratic Party of India will contest the upcoming Assembly elections in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal. Preparations for the elections are currently in progress, with the party committed to presenting a principled political alternative rooted in social justice, constitutional values, and people centric governance.

The press meet was addressed by Mohammad Shafi, National Vice President, Advocate Sharfuddin Ahmad, National Vice President, Elyas Mohammad Thumbe, National General Secretary, and Muhammad Mubarak Nellai, State President, Tamil Nadu.