Opposition Rallies Against Voter Roll Revision in Bihar, Accuses Government of Election Meddling

In a charged display of political discontent, members of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) escalated their protest on Tuesday against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) under way in Bihar, criticizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi for allegedly controlling the Chief Election Commissioner, Gyanesh Kumar. The protestors, who have been vocal since the monsoon session began on July 21, continued to exhibit their dissent in and outside of Parliament by displaying cartoon posters accusing Modi of influencing the CEC.

Congress MPs Gaurav Gogoi, Manickam Tagore, Hibi Eden, DMK's Kanimozhi, JMM's Mahua Maji, and RJD's Manoj Jha were among the political figures leading the protest under pouring rain, raising posters and urging the cessation of the SIR exercise. In a digital protest, Congress's Manickam Tagore took to X, posting a controversial cartoon that depicted the Election Commission as a lackey of the ruling government, alongside a sharp hashtag #SIR, echoing allegations that the Election Commission operates under undue influence from the central administration.

The INDIA bloc has accused the BJP-led central government of exploiting the Election Commission to suppress minority voices, particularly the economically disadvantaged, Dalits, and backward castes, claiming the disenfranchisement of over 56 lakh voters in Bihar. Party leader Randeep Surjewala filed a notice in the Upper House seeking suspension of business to discuss the contentious SIR. Meanwhile, a separate discussion on regional security issues, including the Pahalgam terror attack, is scheduled in the Upper House, where Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar are expected to participate.

(With inputs from agencies.)