Why is Parliament Disrupted Again Over Bihar SIR?

New Delhi, July 23 (NationPress) The Monsoon Session of Parliament is facing major disruptions for the third straight day on Wednesday, as the Opposition escalates its protests against the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar.

Both Houses were adjourned for the second time in a day until 2 p.m. due to uproar and sloganeering.

The BJP-led NDA criticized the Opposition for creating deliberate chaos and hindering parliamentary proceedings, accusing them of avoiding meaningful discussions.

In contrast, the Opposition claims that the SIR initiative is a scheme to disenfranchise legitimate voters in Bihar.

Before the session commenced, senior Opposition figures such as Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Jaya Bachchan, and Sanjay Raut conducted a symbolic demonstration at Parliament's Makar Dwar, dressed in black to express their dissent on the matter.

Despite the ongoing disturbances, the government managed to present six bills on the agenda, including the National Sports Governance Bill, 2025 and the National Anti-Doping (Amendment) Bill, 2025, focused on institutional reform and athlete welfare.

Speaking to reporters, Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan criticized the Opposition, stating, "The INDIA bloc has transformed Parliament into a battleground of chaos. Yesterday, out of 20 questions, 11 pertained to farmers, rural distress, and welfare schemes. The Opposition did not allow a single question to be addressed."

"I continuously appealed to them to allow discussions to proceed. They advocate for democracy outside while creating noise inside. The nation should witness this double standard," Chouhan added.

Similarly, LJP (Ram Vilas) MP Chirag Paswan questioned the Opposition's position: "They approached the Election Commission regarding bogus voters. Now, when the EC is revising the rolls in response to their own complaints, they are protesting. This has happened previously in Indian electoral history. What has changed now?"

Nevertheless, the Opposition remains steadfast in its accusations of manipulation and voter suppression.

In an interview with IANS, Samajwadi Party MP Dimple Yadav stated, "The timing of the SIR raises serious concerns. Just before the Bihar elections? It appears to be a conspiracy by the Centre, particularly when the Election Commission is not exhibiting full transparency."

She also condemned the government for silencing debates on crucial national subjects. "The Centre is avoiding discussions on the SIR, the Pahalgam terror attack, or the shortcomings in Operation Sindoor. They are distracting the public."

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi echoed these concerns, remarking, "This is the first session after the Pahalgam attack and amid the disenfranchisement of voters in Bihar. Yet, the government evades these serious discussions."

In a sharp rebuttal, BJP MP Dharmshila Gupta alleged that the Opposition is anxious because the SIR is identifying and removing illegal voters from Bangladesh, Myanmar, Nepal, and the Rohingyas from Bihar's rolls.

"The people of Bihar have rejected the corrupt Opposition. Their protests stem from desperation," she asserted.

Actor-turned-politicians Hema Malini and Arun Govil also criticized the ongoing disruptions.

"This behavior is disrespectful to Parliament. It squanders taxpayers' money," Hema Malini remarked.

Arun Govil termed it shameful behavior and urged the suspension of disruptive MPs.

Congress MP Akhilesh Prasad Singh, however, questioned the selective timing of the revision: "Why is SIR occurring solely in Bihar, and not before the Lok Sabha elections? The intent is clear, which is why we oppose it."