Should Tejaswi Yadav and Rahul Gandhi Apologize to the People of Bihar over Opposition to SIR?
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Synopsis
BJP spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia has made a compelling case against the Congress and RJD for their opposition to the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in Bihar. He calls for an apology from key opposition leaders, citing the Supreme Court's upholding of the SIR process, and emphasizing the need for fair electoral practices.
Key Takeaways
- The SIR aims to ensure accurate electoral rolls in Bihar.
- Opposition parties claim it targets specific communities.
- The Supreme Court supports the SIR's implementation.
- BJP calls for accountability from opposition leaders.
- Voter documentation requirements are a major concern.
New Delhi, July 11 (NationPress) BJP spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia sharply criticized the Congress and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) on Friday, accusing them of undermining constitutional institutions and misleading the people of Bihar regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls taking place in the Assembly poll-bound state.
During a press conference in New Delhi, Bhatia defended the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) SIR initiative, which has faced significant backlash from opposition parties.
He condemned the two parties, stating, “RJD and Congress have never supported genuine voter participation. They consistently oppose the ECI's attempts to purify the voter rolls and guarantee fair elections.”
Bhatia also mentioned the Supreme Court's recent remarks on the issue, highlighting that the court declined to suspend the SIR in Bihar. “I want to question Tejaswi Yadav and Rahul Gandhi — are they now going to challenge the Supreme Court as well? The people of Bihar are observing,” he remarked.
Prior to the Supreme Court hearing, opposition parties staged protests and suggested a Bharat Bandh, claiming that the SIR was being misused to target minority and backward communities under the pretext of voter list verification.
“Congress and RJD do not respect constitutional institutions. They consistently challenge the Election Commission and other constitutional entities — this has become their routine political tactic,” Bhatia asserted.
He further demanded an apology from opposition leaders to the people of Bihar. “Following the Supreme Court's proceedings, it is now evident that the SIR initiative operates within constitutional limits. Tejaswi Yadav and Rahul Gandhi must apologize to the people of Bihar and the nation for inciting unnecessary fear and confusion,” he stated.
The BJP leader emphasized that the residents of Bihar have largely welcomed the Supreme Court's ruling and the ongoing initiative. “This opposition to a constitutional process reveals the true nature of Congress and RJD,” he added.
The opposition has expressed concerns over the requirement for 78 million voters to prove their citizenship within a short time frame.
According to the Congress, in a state like Bihar, where poverty and low educational levels lead to limited awareness of documentation, nearly 30 million voters will need to provide 11 forms of identification, aside from the commonly held ration cards, Aadhaar cards, or voter IDs, to verify their citizenship.
Point of View
It is essential to present a balanced perspective on the ongoing political discourse surrounding the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in Bihar. The BJP's call for accountability from opposition leaders highlights the significance of respecting constitutional processes. While the opposition raises valid concerns about documentation requirements, the overarching goal should remain ensuring fair and inclusive electoral participation.
NationPress
22/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls?
The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) is an initiative by the Election Commission of India aimed at updating and purifying the electoral rolls to ensure that all eligible voters are accurately represented.
Why are opposition parties protesting against the SIR?
Opposition parties, including Congress and RJD, argue that the SIR disproportionately targets minority and backward communities, making it difficult for them to prove their citizenship within a limited timeframe.
What did the Supreme Court say about the SIR?
The Supreme Court has upheld the legality of the SIR in Bihar, refusing to stay its implementation, which has led to further debate among political leaders.
What is the BJP's stance on the SIR?
The BJP supports the SIR, arguing that it promotes transparent and fair electoral processes, and has called out opposition parties for undermining constitutional institutions.
How many voters are affected by the SIR in Bihar?
Approximately 78 million voters in Bihar are required to verify their citizenship status as part of the SIR process.
