Member of Parliament A. Raja has alleged that the Election Commission of India has been infiltrated by “thieves,” claiming that its independence has been compromised. Speaking at an event in Chennai, Raja said that those in power have taken control of the Commission’s functioning and processes for their own benefit.

The DMK leader, who has served as an MP for three decades, said that key electoral activities have been manipulated over time. “We have handled the polling slips, the voter lists, the symbols — everything has come into our hands,” he remarked, suggesting that the integrity of the electoral system is under threat. He further warned that among ten people casting votes, some may be “thieves,” emphasizing the need for vigilance.

Raja also stated that Tamil Nadu’s assembly elections carry national importance. He pointed out that if a political party wins between 130 and 150 seats in the state, it could influence the formation of the Union government even before the Lok Sabha elections. He added that with the current central government lacking a clear majority, any manipulation in Tamil Nadu could alter the balance of power at the national level.