What Led to the Uproar in Bihar Assembly Over SIR? Tejashwi's 'Monkey' Remark Sparks Controversy
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Synopsis
In a heated session of the Bihar Assembly, opposition protests erupted over the Special Intensive Revision of voter lists, culminating in Tejashwi Yadav's controversial 'monkey' remark. This incident fueled further outrage among ruling party members, leading to a chaotic atmosphere in the assembly. Stay tuned for an in-depth analysis of the political implications.
Key Takeaways
- Opposition protests spark chaos in Bihar Assembly.
- Tejashwi Yadav's 'monkey' remark leads to backlash.
- Concerns raised about the Special Intensive Revision of voter lists.
- Demands for electoral integrity intensify.
- Political accountability questioned amidst turmoil.
Patna, July 24 (NationPress) The fourth day of the monsoon session of the Bihar Legislative Assembly was marked by significant turmoil as opposition MLAs persistently protested, demanding a debate on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists.
During the government's explanation on SIR by Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary, Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav interrupted, accusing him of continual dishonesty, which incited a fiery argument.
A minister rose to challenge Tejashwi, who shot back, “Sit down… why do you start jumping like a monkey?”
This comment sparked uproar from the treasury benches, with all ruling party ministers standing in protest, halting the session.
Post the monkey remark, Cabinet Minister Prem Kumar, speaking to the media outside the assembly, stated that Tejashwi had used an unparliamentary term during the assembly proceedings, and he should offer an apology.
Samrat Chaudhary remarked, “About 18 lakh deceased voters have been identified, and 26 lakh identified as having migrated. The migration rate out of Bihar has decreased from 11 percent in 2005 to less than 2 percent now,” recalling Lalu Prasad's 1992 statement on removing infiltrators from Bihar.
Tejashwi also questioned the timing and execution of SIR, stating, “If there are fake voters, does it imply that every election since 2003 was fraudulent?”
He held Chief Minister Nitish Kumar (in power since 2005) and PM Modi (in power for 11 years) accountable for any alleged infiltrators on the voter lists.
Tejashwi demanded assurance from Chief Minister Nitish that no Bihari's name would be removed from the list.
He also pointed out that even JDU MPs and NDA allies like Chandrababu Naidu’s party have raised concerns regarding the SIR process.
Tejashwi criticized the Election Commission of India for not accepting Aadhaar, despite its utilization in other government documents.
Tejashwi acknowledged the tensions in the House the previous day and expressed, “If anyone has been hurt by us or our members in the past five years, we are willing to apologize, but it should occur from both parties.”
Point of View
The recent uproar in the Bihar Legislative Assembly highlights the ongoing tensions between the ruling party and the opposition. The controversy surrounding the Special Intensive Revision of voter lists raises significant questions about electoral integrity and the responsibilities of public officials. In a democratic framework, it is crucial for all political entities to engage in constructive dialogue rather than resorting to insults, ensuring that the voices of the electorate are respected and heard.
NationPress
26/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists?
The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists is a process aimed at updating and ensuring the accuracy of the electoral roll, identifying deceased and migrated voters to maintain electoral integrity.
Why did Tejashwi Yadav call a minister 'Monkey'?
Tejashwi Yadav used the term 'Monkey' during a heated exchange in the Bihar Assembly, criticizing the minister for what he perceived as dishonesty during the discussion on the SIR.
What was the reaction from ruling party members?
The remark led to a significant uproar, with ruling party ministers standing in protest and halting assembly proceedings.
What are the implications of the SIR process?
The SIR process raises concerns about electoral integrity, with questions about the timing, execution, and potential removal of voters from the electoral rolls, affecting the democratic process.
How did the Chief Minister respond to the protests?
Tejashwi Yadav demanded assurance from Chief Minister Nitish Kumar that no Bihari would have their name removed from the voter list, indicating significant concern over the SIR process.
