Controversial Voter Roll Revision Sparks Parliamentary Uproar

Congress MP Renuka Chowdhury has placed a motion before the Rajya Sabha to debate the looming threats posed by the Election Commission of India's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Chowdhury's notice underscores the potential disenfranchisement risks for millions of voters due to the revision process.

In her appeal, she urged the suspension of standard parliamentary proceedings to prioritize this issue, stressing that SIR's vague guidelines might inadvertently serve as a citizenship test, marginalizing migrant workers, students, and vulnerable groups who face barriers in documentation compliance. Concerns persist over the fairness of this exercise.

Meanwhile, Congress MP Manickam Tagore has voiced similar apprehensions in the Lok Sabha, specifically highlighting the constitutional threats in Bihar's voter list update ahead of state elections. The opposition stands united in criticizing the ruling government, accusing it of leveraging voter roll revisions for political gain.

The Monsoon Session has witnessed significant disruptions over these electoral concerns, with both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha sessions adjourned as a result of vociferous opposition protests. The debate is set to continue as tensions remain high.

As Parliament reconvenes, opposition members are expected to intensify their demonstrations against the perceived unconstitutional actions surrounding electoral roll revisions.

(With inputs from agencies.)