Controversy Erupts Over Bihar Voter List Revision

On Wednesday, JDU Member of Parliament Giridhari Yadav expressed strong criticism of the Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists in Bihar, highlighting concerns over the execution and timeline. Speaking in Delhi, Yadav argued that the EC lacks an understanding of Bihar's historical and geographical intricacies.

In an interview with ANI, Yadav emphasized the impracticality of the one-month document submission deadline, recounting his personal experience of requiring 10 days to gather necessary paperwork. He cited challenges faced by expatriates like his son, who resides in America, in meeting signature requirements within the timeframe.

Yadav accused the EC of imposing the SIR without acknowledging ground realities, advocating for a six-month period for the exercise. He questioned the knowledge of the Commission, stating, 'If I can't say the truth, why have I become an MP?' Concurrently, Congress MP Imran Masood also questioned the rapidity of the SIR process, suspecting intentions to disenfranchise marginalized groups.

Addressing ANI, Masood expressed doubt over the methods employed, alleging a plot to exclude tribals, Dalits, backward classes, and Muslims from voter lists, and warned of threats to democratic principles. Meanwhile, both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha faced adjournments amid opposition protests regarding the SIR process in Bihar.

Protests erupted outside the Parliament ahead of the session, leading to brief proceedings before the Rajya Sabha was adjourned amid demands for a discussion on the electoral roll revision. However, the Lok Sabha continued briefly, during which Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya introduced the 'National Sports Governance Bill, 2025'.

(With inputs from agencies.)