The Election Commission of India's (ECI) initiative to register migrant workers in their states of domicile has sparked controversy in Tamil Nadu, with the DMK and its allies voicing strong opposition. The core of the issue revolves around the ECI's "Special Intensive Revision" (SIR) of electoral rolls, initially conducted in Bihar, which resulted in a significant reduction of voters in the state. Concerns have arisen that a similar process could lead to the inclusion of approximately 6.5 lakh voters from Bihar in Tamil Nadu's electoral rolls.

Political parties in Tamil Nadu fear that granting voting rights to migrant workers will disrupt the state's demography and alter its political landscape. DMK General Secretary K. Duraimurugan stated that giving voting rights to migrant workers from North Indian states would be unacceptable and have a disastrous impact on Tamil Nadu. He argued that these workers migrated to Tamil Nadu due to a lack of employment opportunities in their home states, and granting them voting rights would pose a significant political problem.

The primary concern is that including a large number of voters from other states could shift the political balance in Tamil Nadu. Some parties have speculated that the majority of these migrant voters would likely support the BJP, potentially influencing the state's politics and diminishing the political power of Tamils.

Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) leader Seeman expressed apprehension that the inclusion of two crore people from northern states in the Tamil Nadu voter list would significantly impact the state's politics and deprive Tamils of even minimal political power. He views the "Voter Special Intensive Revision" as an authoritarian trend that could turn the election process into a mere formality.

Vidhuthalai Siruthaigal leader Thirumavalavan noted that the intensive revision exercise is likely to affect Tamil Nadu, especially with upcoming Assembly elections.

In response to the controversy surrounding the revision of Bihar's voter list, where approximately 65 lakh voters were removed, the Supreme Court has urged political parties to assist voters in adding their names to the list. The court has set a deadline for all parties to conclude arguments in the case, with the next hearing scheduled for August 12. The Election Commission has assured the court that excluded voters will have 30 days to appeal and that no eligible voter will be left out of the list.

The opposition INDIA bloc has raised concerns about the names omitted from the draft list and has requested detailed data from the ECI, including the registered voter list published on January 7, 2025, in an Assembly-wise format. They have also sought a detailed list of voters removed from the final draft and those who have not yet filled out the enumeration form.