Congress Leaders Protest Against Voter List Review in Bihar
Congress leaders, including Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, and Priyanka Gandhi, have staged a protest against the Special Intensive Review of the voter list in Bihar. The demonstration, which has continued for five days, highlights concerns over transparency and access to updated voter lists from the Election Commission. The MPs expressed their determination to hold the EC accountable, emphasizing the need for democratic integrity. This protest reflects ongoing tensions surrounding electoral processes in the state, raising questions about the role of the Election Commission in providing necessary information to political parties.
| Jul 25, 2025, 12:31 IST
Protest Against Special Intensive Review of Voter List
On Friday, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge participated in a protest by members of the Indian National Development Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) against the ongoing Special Intensive Review (SIR) of the voter list in Bihar. This demonstration, which marked its fifth consecutive day, took place at the Makar Gate of Parliament. Several senior Congress figures, including Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and party leader Priyanka Gandhi, also joined the protest. The MPs commenced their day by marching from the Gandhi statue located within the Parliament premises.
Protesters were seen carrying various posters and a large banner that read, "SIR - An Attack on Democracy." Members of the INDIA bloc shouted slogans against the central government, chanting phrases like 'Down with Modi Government' and 'Stop Attacking Democracy.' In a symbolic gesture of rejecting the Bihar SIR, the MPs also tore up posters. Speaking to reporters before the protest, Kharge stated, "We are only fighting against this (the special intensive review campaign)."
Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi, who was also part of the protest, criticized the Election Commission (EC) for not providing updated voter lists to political parties. She emphasized that the EC should respond to these allegations and provide the voter list that is being requested. "There should be transparency. This is democracy. All political parties should have access to that information. Why is this information not being shared?" she questioned.
Meanwhile, Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, warned the Election Commission on Thursday that the opposition would not allow them to evade the Special Intensive Review (SIR) campaign in the electoral state of Bihar. After the proceedings of the Lok Sabha were adjourned, he told reporters outside Parliament, "I want to send a message to the Election Commission: If you think you can escape this, if your officials believe they can avoid it, you are mistaken. You will not escape, as we will pursue you."