Why Was the LS Adjourned Amidst Chaos Over Voter Roll Revisions?
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Synopsis
In a chaotic session on August 19, the Lok Sabha was adjourned as Opposition members demanded discussions on voter roll revisions in Bihar. Speaker Om Birla announced expanded language interpretation services, prompting mixed reactions amidst continued disruptions. The session highlights ongoing tensions over electoral reforms and accountability.
Key Takeaways
- Lok Sabha adjourned due to disruptions.
- Opposition demands debate on electoral roll revisions.
- Speaker announces expanded language interpretation services.
- Concerns raised about PMAY-G beneficiaries in Tamil Nadu.
- Continued push for transparency in electoral reforms.
New Delhi, Aug 19 (NationPress) The Lok Sabha was suspended until noon on Tuesday due to ongoing sloganeering and disruptions from Opposition members, who demanded discussions on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar.
The House managed to address only three questions during Question Hour before Speaker Om Birla called for adjournment amid escalating disorder.
As the session began, Speaker Birla made a notable announcement (in Hindi) regarding linguistic interpretation inclusivity in Parliament. He informed members that interpretation services are now available in all languages listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution. Previously, interpretation was provided in 18 languages, including Assamese, Bengali, Bodo, Dogri, Gujarati, Kannada, Maithili, Malayalam, Manipuri, Marathi, Nepali, Odia, Punjabi, Sanskrit, Sindhi, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu.
The addition of Kashmiri, Konkani, and Santhali completes the constitutional language roster.
“India is the world’s largest democracy. Let us cooperate to ensure smooth functioning of the House,” Birla urged. In response, some members remarked, “There is a need to save the constitution.”
Despite this appeal, Opposition MPs raised slogans such as “We want justice” and “Save the Constitution,” demanding accountability regarding the voter list revision in Bihar.
The noise made ministerial responses inaudible, even as Question Hour proceeded briefly.
Among the few inquiries addressed, BJP MP Dr Sanjay Jaiswal called for the inclusion of Bhojpuri in the Constitution and sought details about the sanctioned personnel strength for the newly launched Bharatiya Bhasha Anubhag.
He also asked whether Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) had been established to integrate technology for promoting Indian languages.
DMK MP Selvam G. raised concerns about the number of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, women, and marginalized groups benefiting from the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY-G) in Tamil Nadu, including those still on the waiting list.
Before the minister could respond, Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan informed the House that the Tamil Nadu government is deliberately not sanctioning housing for the poor in the state.
He stated he has urged the Tamil Nadu government to provide housing for the underprivileged.
BJP MP Vishnu Datt Sharma questioned the Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare about the Indian Council of Agricultural Research’s (ICAR) mandate, seeking clarity on its responsibilities across veterinary science, animal husbandry, fisheries, poultry, apiculture, and natural resource management.
The Monsoon Session continues to face repeated adjournments, with the Opposition demanding transparency and debate on electoral reforms.
Point of View
It becomes evident that the electoral roll revisions are a matter of critical concern for many. The adjournment amid uproar highlights the need for dialogue and accountability. As a national editor, I believe that both sides should strive for constructive discussions that uphold democratic values and address the issues at hand.
NationPress
19/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the Lok Sabha adjourned?
The Lok Sabha was adjourned due to persistent sloganeering and disruptions from Opposition members demanding a debate on the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in Bihar.
What was the Speaker's announcement regarding language interpretation?
Speaker Om Birla announced that linguistic interpretation services are now available in all languages listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution, expanding from 18 to 21 languages.
What issues did the Opposition raise during the session?
The Opposition raised concerns over the voter roll revisions in Bihar and accountability, alongside demands for transparency in electoral reforms.
What did BJP MP Dr Sanjay Jaiswal propose?
Dr Sanjay Jaiswal called for the inclusion of Bhojpuri in the Constitution and sought details on the personnel strength for the Bharatiya Bhasha Anubhag.
What did the Agriculture Minister state about Tamil Nadu's housing policies?
Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan stated that the Tamil Nadu government is deliberately not sanctioning houses for the poor in the state.
