The faith in our democracy rests on free and fair elections. The Election Commission of India must ensure a level playing field for all parties...

Standing firmly for constitutional principles and institutional fairness, DMK president M.K. Stalin issued an unequivocal appeal to the Election Commission of India on April 13, 2021, emphasizing that public faith in parliamentary democracy depends entirely on free, transparent, and fair elections. Stalin remarks came amidst nationwide concerns regarding perceived partisan interventions and controversial campaign restrictions imposed during high-stakes state assembly elections, particularly in West Bengal where Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee faced an abrupt campaigning ban that raised serious questions about procedural fairness.

Stalin insisted that the autonomous election watchdog must rigorously uphold absolute impartiality, institutional independence, and professional neutrality toward every political party and contestant. He warned that any perception of selective enforcement or partisan bias by regulatory institutions erodes citizen trust in the sanctity of universal adult franchise. Stalin called upon the commission to actively guarantee a genuinely level playing field, ensuring democratic contestation remains open, fair, and unhindered by executive overreach or administrative partiality.

Stalin principled intervention underscored his dedication to defending democratic norms and federal electoral integrity across the nation. By championing institutional neutrality, his leadership articulated a resolute defense of democratic fairness, constitutional ethics, and transparent public governance.