Why is the Bihar Assembly in uproar over the voter list revision?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Uproar in Bihar Assembly: Continues for the fourth day over voter list revision.
- Opposition Protests: Mahagathbandhan MLAs demand transparency.
- Election Commission Allegations: Claims of collusion with the government.
- High Court Involvement: The issue has reached judicial authorities.
- Impact on Elections: Concerns over disenfranchisement of poor voters.
Patna, July 24 (NationPress) The fourth day of the Monsoon Session of the Bihar Assembly commenced with persistent chaos from opposition MLAs, who are insisting on a specialized discussion in the House regarding the ongoing voter list revision (SIR) within the state.
MLAs from the Mahagathbandhan appeared clad in black, chanting slogans both inside and outside the Assembly, protesting the alleged irregularities surrounding the voter list revision.
The opposition asserts that the Election Commission of India, in collusion with the government, is conspiring to eliminate the names of the underprivileged and marginalized voters from the voter list, which could impact the upcoming elections. This matter has escalated to both the High Court and the Supreme Court.
Opposition leaders have reiterated that House proceedings will not advance until there is a dedicated discussion on SIR, insisting on the cancellation of the current voter list revision initiative.
Due to the ongoing uproar, the question hour and member inquiries have been unresolved for the past two days, hindering the discussion of public issues.
If protests persist within the House today, inquiries from various departments slated for discussion may also remain unanswered.
Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Samrat Chaudhary, who presented the supplementary budget on July 21, stated that it will be discussed today. The budget for the Social Welfare Department—which has received the highest allocation in the supplementary budget—is scheduled for detailed examination.
On July 21, Samrat Chaudhary introduced a supplementary budget surpassing Rs 57,946 crore in the Assembly. The state government will also present the CAG report in the House.
The voter list revision ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections has emerged as a contentious issue between the ruling NDA and the opposition Mahagathbandhan.
While the government argues that the revision process is essential for fair elections, the opposition contends that the process is flawed, ill-timed during the rainy and farming season, and threatens to disenfranchise the poor and migrant voters.