New Delhi Jul 23: The Monsoon Session of Parliament remained paralysed for the third consecutive day on Wednesday as Opposition parties escalated protests against the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar.
Both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha were adjourned for the second time in the day till 2 p.m. amid loud protests and slogan-shouting.
The BJP-led NDA coalition accused the Opposition of intentionally creating chaos and obstructing parliamentary proceedings, alleging they were avoiding meaningful debate.
Conversely, the Opposition claimed that the voter list revision exercise was a deliberate attempt to disenfranchise legitimate voters in Bihar.
Ahead of the session, senior Opposition leaders including Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Jaya Bachchan, and Sanjay Raut staged a symbolic protest at Parliament’s Makar Dwar, dressed in black to express their dissent over the issue.
Despite the disruptions, the government managed to introduce six bills listed for discussion, including the National Sports Governance Bill, 2025, and the National Anti-Doping (Amendment) Bill, 2025 — both aimed at institutional reforms and athlete welfare.
Addressing the media, Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan criticised the Opposition, stating,
“The INDIA bloc has turned Parliament into a battleground of chaos. Yesterday, 11 out of 20 listed questions were related to farmers, rural issues, and welfare schemes — but the Opposition didn’t allow a single one to be addressed.”
“I kept requesting them with folded hands to let the House function. They preach democracy outside but create disruption inside. The country must take note of this hypocrisy,” he added.
LJP (Ram Vilas) MP Chirag Paswan also questioned the Opposition’s logic:
“They approached the Election Commission complaining about bogus voters. Now, when the EC is revising the rolls based on their complaints, they are opposing the move. This isn’t new in India’s electoral history. So what’s changed now?”
However, the Opposition stuck to its position, alleging foul play and an attempt to manipulate voter data.
Speaking to IANS, Samajwadi Party MP Dimple Yadav said,
“The timing of this SIR is deeply suspicious — right before Bihar elections? It seems like a calculated conspiracy by the Centre, especially since the Election Commission isn’t being fully transparent.”
She also accused the government of avoiding accountability on pressing national issues.
“They don’t want any debate on the SIR, the Pahalgam terror attack, or the shortcomings of Operation Sindoor. They’re diverting public attention.”
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi echoed similar views:
“This is the first parliamentary session after the Pahalgam attack and amid the alleged voter disenfranchisement in Bihar. Yet, the government is dodging these crucial discussions.”
In a strong counter, BJP MP Dharmshila Gupta claimed the SIR was uncovering and removing illegal voters.
“Illegal voters from Bangladesh, Myanmar, Nepal, and the Rohingya community are being identified and deleted from the Bihar voter rolls. That’s what’s unsettling the Opposition,” she alleged.
She further said the people of Bihar had rejected the “corrupt” Opposition, which is why they are resorting to protests.
Actor-turned-politicians Hema Malini and Arun Govil also condemned the continuous disruptions.
“This kind of behaviour disrespects Parliament and wastes public money,” said Hema Malini.
Arun Govil labelled the conduct as “shameful” and demanded the suspension of MPs who cause such disruptions.
Congress MP Akhilesh Prasad Singh, however, questioned the timing and scope of the revision process:
“Why is the SIR being conducted only in Bihar and not nationwide before the Lok Sabha elections? The motive is clear — that’s why we are opposing it.” (Edited)
| Read more here: Election Commission files affidavit in SC, defends Bihar SIR exercise |
