Controversy Erupts Over Bihar's Voter List Revision Ahead of Elections

Congress MP Renuka Chowdhury has intensified the political discourse around the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise conducted by the Election Commission in Bihar. Chowdhury submitted a notice under Rule 267 in Rajya Sabha on Friday, urging a suspension of the house's agenda to address the ongoing voter list revision due to concerns about its potential to disenfranchise millions.

The exercise faces sharp criticism for its strict requirements, which critics argue could lead to the exclusion of marginalized groups such as migrant workers and residents of remote areas. Opposition leaders, supported by the INDIA bloc, have expressed fears that this could transform into a de facto citizenship test, with Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal accusing the EC of bias.

The matter has incited significant unrest within Parliament, with proceedings disrupted by protestors demanding immediate deliberations on the fairness of the Bihar SIR. The ongoing Monsoon Session, expected to run until August 21, continues to be a battleground for this issue, underscoring the opposition's accusations of government inaction and a looming threat to democratic integrity.

(With inputs from agencies.)