Why Was the LS Adjourned Till 2 PM Amid Bihar Voter Roll Revision Stalemate?

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Why Was the LS Adjourned Till 2 PM Amid Bihar Voter Roll Revision Stalemate?

Synopsis

On August 18, the Lok Sabha faced significant disruptions as Opposition members protested against the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision of Bihar's electoral rolls, alleging widespread voter exclusions. Amidst the chaos, key bills were introduced, reflecting a tense atmosphere in Parliament as the opposition demands accountability.

Key Takeaways

  • Lok Sabha disruptions highlight the tension between the government and opposition.
  • Opposition demands accountability over the Special Intensive Revision affecting voter rolls.
  • Key legislative bills introduced amidst chaos.
  • Speaker urges members to prioritize public interest.
  • Concerns over electoral transparency and public trust.

New Delhi, Aug 18 (NationPress) The Lok Sabha experienced frequent interruptions on Monday as Opposition members voiced their concerns regarding the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar. They claimed that this revision resulted in mass voter exclusions and urgently called for a debate on the matter.

The session commenced at 11 a.m. but was first adjourned until noon due to intense sloganeering. Upon reconvening, it was quickly adjourned again as the ongoing chaos made it impossible to continue.

When the House reconvened at noon, Chairperson Sandhya Rai disclosed that the Speaker had not accepted any of the adjournment motions put forth by members.

This announcement sparked renewed protests, with Opposition MPs accusing the government of lacking accountability regarding the SIR process, which has reportedly resulted in the removal of over 65 lakh names from Bihar’s draft rolls.

Amidst the uproar, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal introduced the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2025. This Bill aims to amend over 350 provisions across various laws to decriminalize minor offenses and encourage trust-based governance.

Following the 2023 Jan Vishwas Act, this new legislation proposes “improvement notices” for first-time violations and seeks to enhance the ease of living and doing business.

Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan also presented the Indian Institutes of Management (Amendment) Bill, 2025.

After the introduction of the bills, the Chair invited members to discuss matters under Rule 377. However, ongoing sloganeering and placard-waving by Opposition MPs led to another adjournment until 2 p.m.

Earlier, Speaker Om Birla attempted to initiate Question Hour, but was interrupted as Opposition members surged into the Well of the House.

He encouraged them to channel their energy into asking questions that would benefit the public, cautioning against property damage and reminding members that “the public is watching.”

Despite the turmoil, a few questions regarding issues like fiscal deficit, school safety audits, and road construction delays in Madhya Pradesh were briefly addressed. However, most inquiries were drowned out by the noise.

The repeated adjournments indicate escalating tensions within Parliament, with the Opposition seeking accountability over electoral processes leading up to the Bihar Assembly elections. Speaker Birla reiterated his willingness to engage in debate after Question Hour but emphasized that proceedings must adhere to democratic norms.

Point of View

The ongoing situation in the Lok Sabha reflects a concerning trend as democratic processes come under scrutiny. The opposition's demands for accountability regarding the electoral rolls in Bihar are significant, particularly with upcoming elections. It is crucial for governance to uphold transparency and restore public trust during these critical times.
NationPress
20/08/2025

Frequently Asked Questions

What led to the Lok Sabha adjournment?
The Lok Sabha was adjourned due to repeated disruptions caused by opposition protests against the Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision of the electoral rolls in Bihar.
What is the significance of the Special Intensive Revision?
The Special Intensive Revision is significant as it has reportedly led to the deletion of over 65 lakh names from Bihar’s draft electoral rolls, raising concerns about voter exclusion.
What bills were introduced in the Lok Sabha?
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal introduced the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2025, and Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan introduced the Indian Institutes of Management (Amendment) Bill, 2025.
How did the Speaker respond to the protests?
Speaker Om Birla urged opposition members to focus on asking public-benefit questions and warned against damaging property, emphasizing that the public is closely observing the proceedings.
What does the adjournment indicate about parliamentary tensions?
The adjournments reflect deepening tensions within Parliament as the opposition demands accountability regarding electoral processes ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections.