Opposition Demands Parliamentary Debate on Bihar Voter Roll Irregularities

On Wednesday, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge reiterated the Opposition's demand for a Parliamentary debate on the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar. Addressing a press conference, Kharge highlighted the need to address alleged 'irregularities in the voter list and vote theft' occurring under the SIR process.

Kharge emphasized the Opposition's intention to spotlight 'mistakes' in the SIR process and offer constructive suggestions for the country's benefit. He underscored the importance of protecting voters' rights and criticized unconstitutional practices undermining electoral integrity.

Invoking comments from 2023 by then Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar, who asserted Parliament's right to discuss any matter, Kharge questioned the Deputy Chairman's refusal to debate the SIR. The Congress leader also alleged that voter disenfranchisement disproportionately affects minorities, Dalits, tribals, and migrant workers.

Earlier, several Members of Parliament from the INDIA bloc, including Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, protested in the Parliament House complex, demanding discourse on the Election Commission's voter roll revision. They held banners asserting 'The SIR: Demand discussion not deletion!' while Gandhi Vadra criticized the government's evasion in addressing the controversy.

(With inputs from agencies.)