Opposition Fury: INDIA Bloc Intensifies Protest Against Bihar’s Controversial ‘SIR’ Electoral Revision

New Delhi – The political landscape in India is currently witnessing a fierce confrontation as the INDIA (Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance) bloc continues its vigorous Bihar SIR Protest against the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar. This burgeoning controversy, described by the opposition as an “exercise of exclusion” ahead of the upcoming Bihar assembly elections, has ignited widespread protests both inside and outside Parliament, raising serious questions about the integrity of the electoral process.

The Core of the Bihar SIR Protest: Allegations and Actions

The heart of the Bihar SIR Protest lies in the opposition’s firm belief that the SIR exercise is fundamentally flawed and designed to disenfranchise a significant number of voters.

• Flawed Process Allegations: Leaders from various INDIA bloc parties, including the Congress, RJD, CPI(ML)L, and CPI(M), have vociferously accused the ECI of rushing the SIR process, squeezing it into an impossibly short one-month window. This hurried approach, they argue, has led to numerous errors and the potential exclusion of eligible voters.
• Concerns Over Citizenship Verification: A major point of contention in the Bihar SIR Protest is the opposition’s claim that the ECI is overstepping its mandate by effectively conducting a citizenship verification drive under the guise of electoral roll revision. Senior Congress leader Abhishek Singhvi pointed out the ECI’s alleged refusal to accept common documents like Aadhaar, EPIC (Elector’s Photo Identity Card), and Ration Cards as valid proof, suggesting a hidden agenda.
• Symbolic Acts of Resistance: In a dramatic display of their discontent, INDIA bloc MPs, including prominent figures like Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, staged a symbolic act of defiance outside Parliament. They were seen tearing posters with ‘SIR’ written on them and disposing of them in a bin, signifying their outright rejection of the controversial exercise. This act underscored the intensity of the Bihar SIR Protest.
• “Vote-Bandi” Fears: CPI(ML)L General Secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya highlighted a concerning “huge gap in numbers” within just six months, questioning whether this meant a staggering 22 lakh people had simply “passed away” or if the ECI’s summary revision was a failure. He asserted that the SIR is unequivocally linked to the upcoming elections and aims to implement “vote-bandi,” particularly targeting the poor and marginalized sections of Bihar who have historically struggled for their voting rights.

Demands and Future of the Bihar SIR Protest

The INDIA bloc’s demands are clear and unwavering:

• Rollback of SIR: The primary demand is an immediate rollback of the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in Bihar.
• Discussion in Parliament: Opposition leaders have repeatedly demanded a comprehensive discussion on the issue in both Houses of Parliament, accusing the government of avoiding accountability.
• Transparency and Consultation: RJD’s Manoj K Jha criticized the ECI for its “opacity” and for not consulting political parties before initiating the SIR exercise, a hallmark, he claims, of the current ECI’s functioning. Senior CPI(M) Polit Bureau member Nilotpal Basu has demanded details of any independent assessment the ECI claims to have conducted to justify the SIR.
• Intensified Movement: The INDIA bloc has warned of an “intensified movement” throughout August if their concerns are not addressed, indicating a prolonged and escalating Bihar SIR Protest.

The protests have caused significant disruptions in Parliament, with both houses facing adjournments due to the uproar. The INDIA bloc remains steadfast in its opposition, asserting that this exercise could potentially affect millions of voters and undermine the democratic process in Bihar. As the Supreme Court prepares to hear petitions challenging the SIR, the political temperature in Bihar, and indeed across the nation, continues to rise. The fight for electoral integrity in the face of the Bihar SIR Protest is far from over.