Opposition Protests in Lok Sabha Over Bihar Voter List Revision

The Lok Sabha session was marked by significant disruptions as opposition parties protested against the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists in Bihar. Speaker Om Birla suspended the session shortly after it began, criticizing the members for not representing the public. Various political parties have demanded a discussion on the voter list revision, raising concerns about the process's impact on the poor and elderly. This protest coincides with the Election Commission's announcement to release the draft voter list for Bihar, highlighting the urgency of the situation. The ongoing tensions reflect the political climate as the assembly elections approach.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 1, 2025, 12:47 IST

Lok Sabha Session Disrupted by Opposition Protests

On Friday, the Lok Sabha session commenced amidst significant disruptions as opposition members vocally protested against the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists ahead of the Bihar assembly elections. Shortly after the session began, Speaker Om Birla suspended the proceedings, stating that the members were not representing the public by shouting. He emphasized that the public had granted them the opportunity to voice their concerns in the house and criticized their behavior as inappropriate, urging adherence to parliamentary rules to strengthen democracy.

Demand for Discussion on Voter List Revision

Several political parties, including Congress, DMK, SP, TMC, NCP, Shiv Sena (UBT), RJD, and RSP, have sent a letter to Speaker Om Birla requesting a discussion on the voter list revision in Bihar. The Lok Sabha is scheduled to reconvene at 2 PM today. Prior to this, members of the India Block staged a protest in front of the Parliament, demanding a discussion on the SIR of voter lists in both houses. On Thursday, the parties within the India Block unanimously decided to escalate their protests against the ongoing SIR both inside and outside Parliament.

Concerns Raised Over Voter List Process

Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi expressed concerns regarding the SIR process, labeling it insensitive for requiring poor individuals to provide documents to have their names included in the voter list. He highlighted that elderly citizens are struggling to locate their old documents, and there are reports of bribery within the process. Gogoi noted that when attempts are made to raise these issues, vague reasons are provided as to why the government cannot allow discussions. The India Block parties have submitted a joint letter to the Speaker on behalf of all those facing challenges with the SIR.

Voter List Draft Release by Election Commission

This protest from the India Block coincides with the Election Commission's announcement to publish the draft voter list for Bihar today. Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar conveyed in a message to voters that the draft voter list for Bihar will be available on August 1 at https://voters.eci.gov.in/download. He mentioned that all 38 District Election Officers (DEOs) in Bihar will provide both physical and digital copies to all recognized political parties across the state. Meanwhile, Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal is set to present the Scheduled Tribes Representation Reallocation Bill, 2024, for further consideration and passage in the Goa state assembly.