Why Was the Lok Sabha Adjourned Until 2 PM Amid Protests Over Bihar's Voter Roll Revision?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Lok Sabha adjourned until 2 PM amidst Opposition protests.
- Demands for debate on Bihar's electoral roll revision highlighted.
- Speaker urged for upholding Parliament's dignity.
- Government defends the revision as a standard procedure.
- Monsoon Session continues until August 21 with pending legislation.
New Delhi, Aug 4 (NationPress) The Lok Sabha has been adjourned until 2 p.m. on Monday due to ongoing protests by Opposition members who are calling for a prompt discussion on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar.
This disruption is yet another instance of stalled proceedings during the Monsoon Session, which has faced numerous interruptions from protests regarding the contentious update of voter lists.
The session commenced with Speaker Om Birla leading the Question Hour, where he invited Samajwadi Party MP Ruchi Vira from Uttar Pradesh to pose a question about the regularization of permanent jobs. However, the session quickly descended into chaos as members from the Congress, DMK, RJD, SP, and other INDIA bloc parties began to vocally protest, brandishing placards.
The protesting MPs have accused the Election Commission of executing a voter purge that disproportionately affects marginalized communities, labeling the SIR process as “unconstitutional” and politically motivated in light of the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections.
Despite multiple appeals from the Chair, the Opposition's protests persisted in the Well of the House.
Speaker Birla emphasized the importance of maintaining the dignity of Parliament, stating, “Each MP represents numerous citizens. The public expects their voices to be conveyed through their elected representatives.”
He further criticized the use of placards and banners, describing it as a “malafide and planned intention” to disrupt the proceedings.
“This is not a commendable practice. The entire nation is observing your actions,” he remarked before adjourning the House until 2 p.m.
Congress MP Manickam Tagore had previously submitted an adjournment motion advocating for a detailed discussion on the SIR process, while other Opposition leaders reiterated their calls for transparency and accountability in electoral practices.
However, the government contends that the revision is a standard administrative procedure under the authority of the Election Commission.
As the Monsoon Session is scheduled to continue until August 21, the standoff between the treasury and Opposition benches highlights a widening chasm over electoral integrity and democratic principles. Legislative business, including the National Sports Governance Bill and the National Anti-Doping (Amendment) Bill, remains unaddressed amidst the ongoing stalemate.