What Caused the Ruckus in Bihar Assembly Over SIR Opposition Wearing Black in Protest?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Opposition's protest highlights concerns over voter integrity.
- MLAs wore black to symbolize their dissent.
- Tejashwi Yadav advocates for open discussions on important matters.
- Allegations of collusion against the Election Commission and government.
- Speaker urges adherence to parliamentary decorum.
Patna, July 21 (NationPress) The monsoon session of the Bihar Legislative Assembly kicked off on Monday amid significant turmoil, as the opposition raised a commotion both inside and outside the House concerning the ongoing special intensive voter list revision ahead of the Assembly elections.
Following the adjournment of the proceedings, the Mahagathbandhan Legislature Party convened a crucial strategy meeting aimed at amplifying pressure on the government throughout the remaining four days of the session.
It was resolved that all opposition MLAs would don black attire when they arrive at the Assembly on Tuesday to protest against escalating crime rates in the state and the voter list revision.
Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav stated after the meeting, “The monsoon session of the Assembly has commenced today, and we have urged the Speaker to address the matter of voter list revision in the House.”
Tejashwi highlighted that the opposition is committed to defending democracy and preventing any attempts to erase its foundations.
“If the government and the Speaker refuse to permit a discussion on this matter, they will find it challenging to face the public in the upcoming days,” he remarked, confirming that letters have been dispatched to all leaders concerning this issue.
He further indicated that the opposition is voicing this concern in Parliament as well and will strongly emphasize it in Bihar on Tuesday.
“The government must engage in a discussion regarding this issue in the House without fail,” he asserted, reiterating that all Mahagathbandhan MLAs will wear black clothing to symbolize their protest on Tuesday.
Earlier, as the proceedings commenced, opposition MLAs adorned in black bands created a stir within the House, demanding dialogue on the voter list revision and related matters.
Speaker Nand Kishore Yadav expressed his dissatisfaction with the ongoing disruptions, urging opposition members to take their seats and uphold decorum.
At one moment, the Speaker admonished RJD MLA Bhai Virendra, saying, “Sit down. Is this what you have all learned?”
He also reprimanded CPI(ML) MLA Satyadev Ram for the ongoing disruption as the uproar persisted in the House.
The opposition alleges that the current special intensive voter list revision (SIR) before the elections is a scheme designed to eliminate the names of underprivileged and minority groups from the voter rolls, accusing the Election Commission and the central government of collusion.