What is Rahul's Opposition Doing in the Parliament Complex?
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Synopsis
On July 25, Opposition MPs led by Rahul Gandhi staged a protest in Parliament against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar. They accused the Election Commission of undermining democracy and disenfranchising voters. This article delves into the reasons behind their vehement opposition and the implications for Bihar's electoral landscape.
Key Takeaways
- Opposition MPs are protesting against the SIR, claiming it threatens democracy.
- Rahul Gandhi leads the protests, emphasizing transparency.
- The ECI reports significant updates to the electoral rolls in Bihar.
- Concerns over disenfranchisement of voters, especially among migrant laborers.
- The situation underscores the need for rigorous electoral integrity.
New Delhi, July 25 (NationPress) Raising slogans and symbolically dismantling placards marked with Special Intensive Revision (SIR), Opposition MPs, under the leadership of Rahul Gandhi, persisted with their demonstration within the Parliament House complex on Friday, protesting against the electoral roll review in Bihar.
Wielding a massive banner featuring a slogan in Hindi that labeled SIR as an ‘assault on democracy’, the Opposition MPs, including Mallikarjun Kharge, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and Gaurav Gogoi, gathered outside the Parliament, accusing the Election Commission of India of orchestrating the SIR to obstruct citizens' voting rights.
In a symbolic act, the MPs took turns tearing red placards inscribed with ‘SIR’ and discarded them into a makeshift dustbin positioned at the protest site in Makar Dwar, symbolizing their rejection of the nearing completion of the SIR exercise in the election-centric state.
The protesters chanted slogans: “Stop vote-bandi” and “Save democracy”.
Priyanka Gandhi criticized the lack of transparency from the government. “It is a transparent democracy. Why are they withholding the information we are requesting?”
Congress MP Manish Tewari remarked that by establishing entirely new electoral rolls, the ECI implies that the prior voters' lists, utilized during Lok Sabha elections, were flawed. “Which law allows such a revision by the ECI?” he questioned, condemning the de novo preparation of Bihar's electoral rolls.
Samajwadi Party MP Dharmendra Yadav stated, “We will wage a vigorous fight, with the backing of the populace, and in Parliament, compelling the government or the Commission to retract this decision.”
Lok Sabha Congress MP Hibi Eden asserted, “This is not solely a Congress demand, but a request from the entire Opposition. We are conducting an issue-based protest. Our united appeal on this matter is vital and warrants serious discussion. The SIR needs to be reconsidered and withdrawn.”
Trinamool Congress MP Sagarika Ghose emphasized, “We oppose the SIR both within and outside the Assembly. The way the ECI has enforced SIR is stripping thousands of people of their voting rights, particularly affecting common citizens, daily wage earners, and migrant laborers moving across states for jobs.”
As of Thursday, the ECI reported that 99 percent of the nearly 7.89 crore electors in Bihar have been addressed under the ongoing SIR initiative.
To date, 21.6 lakh deceased electors have been identified, while 31.5 lakh have permanently migrated. An additional seven lakh electors were discovered to be registered in multiple locations, and one lakh were deemed untraceable, according to the ECI.
Point of View
It is our duty to present a balanced perspective. The ongoing protests by Opposition MPs reflect a critical concern regarding electoral integrity and voter rights. While the government's actions are framed as necessary revisions, the Opposition's response underscores the need for transparency and public trust in the electoral process. This evolving situation calls for a thorough examination to ensure democracy is upheld.
NationPress
26/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Special Intensive Revision (SIR)?
The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) is a process initiated by the Election Commission of India to update electoral rolls, ensuring that they accurately reflect the current electorate.
Why are Opposition MPs protesting against the SIR?
Opposition MPs, led by Rahul Gandhi, argue that the SIR undermines democracy and disenfranchises voters by creating new electoral rolls that may exclude many eligible voters.
What are the claims made by the Election Commission regarding the SIR?
The Election Commission claims that the SIR is essential for updating the electoral rolls and has reportedly covered 99% of the nearly 7.89 crore electors in Bihar.
How many electors have been identified as deceased or migrated?
To date, the Election Commission has reported approximately 21.6 lakh deceased electors and 31.5 lakh who have permanently migrated.
What are the potential implications of the SIR for Bihar's elections?
The SIR could significantly impact the electoral landscape in Bihar, potentially affecting voter turnout and representation, particularly among marginalized groups.
