Why Was the Lok Sabha Adjourned Again Over Bihar's Voter Roll Revision?
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Synopsis
In a dramatic turn of events, the Lok Sabha faced a second adjournment on Thursday amidst fierce opposition protests demanding a debate on the contentious Special Intensive Revision of Bihar's electoral rolls. The escalating tensions highlight the ongoing struggle between government and opposition parties during the Monsoon Session.
Key Takeaways
- Adjournment: The Lok Sabha adjourned again due to opposition protests.
- Demands: Opposition calls for a debate on Bihar's voter roll revision.
- Legislative Tensions: Ongoing friction between government and opposition members.
- Procedural Concerns: Allegations of irregularities in the SIR process.
- Government's Stand: Revision is under the Election Commission's jurisdiction.
New Delhi, Aug 7 (NationPress) The Lok Sabha was adjourned for the second time on Thursday until 2 p.m. due to fierce protests from opposition members who are calling for a discussion on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar.
The commotion erupted soon after the House reconvened at noon, with opposition MPs gathering in the Well, chanting slogans and insisting on a rollback of the SIR procedure.
Chairperson Sandhya Ray tried to continue with the scheduled agenda and noted that the Speaker had not accepted any adjournment requests.
She permitted the laying of official documents by ministers and MPs as per the agenda.
In spite of the chaos, several documents were presented, including notifications, reports, and statements from various ministries.
Meanwhile, opposition members continued to chant: 'SIR wapas lo, wapas lo (withdraw SIR)'.
One of the significant documents presented was an explanatory statement from Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, which justified the issuance of the Manipur Goods and Services Tax (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025.
This ordinance, enacted under Article 123 of the Constitution, aims to synchronize Manipur's GST framework with recent changes to the Central GST Act. It was prompted by the prorogation of the Manipur Legislative Assembly and the expiration of a previous ordinance.
With Article 356 invoked in Manipur, legislative authority now lies with Parliament, necessitating swift executive action to prevent legal inconsistencies and maintain tax administration.
The papers included statutory notifications, annual reports, and findings from standing committees regarding departmental performance and legislative priorities.
However, the Chair's attempts to carry on with regular proceedings were persistently obstructed by opposition members, who remained steadfast in demanding a focused discussion on the voter roll revision.
The SIR initiative in Bihar has escalated into a contentious issue during the ongoing Monsoon Session, with opposition parties claiming procedural violations and seeking parliamentary oversight.
The government has reiterated that the revision is under the jurisdiction of the Election Commission, an independent constitutional body.
Earlier in the day, Speaker Om Birla had appealed for collaboration, highlighting the significance of Question Hour and legislative discussions. Yet, with ongoing disruptions, the House had to adjourn once more, contributing to the increasing number of lost hours in this session.
This deadlock showcases the escalating tensions between government and opposition members, with procedural maneuvers and symbolic protests overshadowing critical legislative activities.
Point of View
The continuing unrest in the Lok Sabha over the SIR in Bihar underscores a significant disconnect between the government and opposition. While the ruling party maintains that the revision is an Election Commission matter, the opposition's insistence on a parliamentary discussion reveals a deeper concern about electoral integrity. This situation exemplifies the complex dynamics at play in our democratic processes.
NationPress
20/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What triggered the adjournment of the Lok Sabha?
The Lok Sabha was adjourned due to intense protests by opposition members demanding a debate on the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in Bihar.
What is the Special Intensive Revision (SIR)?
The SIR refers to the revision process of electoral rolls in Bihar, which has become a contentious issue among opposition parties alleging procedural irregularities.
What documents were presented during the session?
Several documents, including notifications, reports, and statements from various ministries, were tabled, along with an explanatory statement regarding the Manipur GST Ordinance.
How does the government justify the SIR?
The government argues that the SIR falls under the jurisdiction of the Election Commission, an autonomous body responsible for overseeing electoral processes.
What is the significance of the ongoing protests?
The protests highlight the deepening tensions between the government and opposition, reflecting broader concerns about electoral integrity and democratic processes.
