Sonia Gandhi Joins INDIA Bloc to Protest Against Bihar SIR and BJP-led Arrests

Sonia Gandhi, chairperson of the Congress Parliamentary Party, took a prominent role on Wednesday as she joined her fellow members of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) bloc in a significant protest. The demonstration, held outside Parliament at Makar Dwar, opposed the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in the state of Bihar, which is set to go to the polls soon, as well as the arrest of laborers in states governed by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Standing beside her daughter and Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi held a large banner inscribed with 'SIR-attack on Democracy.' Other notable leaders, including Pramod Tiwari and Manickam Tagore, were also present, adding weight to the protest. The movement was further bolstered by the participation of Trinamool Congress (TMC) MPs, who protested the alleged mistreatment of Bengalis outside West Bengal and joined in condemning labor arrests in BJP-ruled regions. MPs carried caricature posters, targeting the Election Commission, alleging its bias under central government pressure.

The INDIA bloc's concerns over the voter roll revision have been evident since the monsoon session began on July 21. Protests have taken place consistently both inside and outside Parliament. In a related political development, Union Home Minister Amit Shah put forward a resolution to extend President's rule in the violence-stricken state of Manipur until February 13, 2026. This extends the rule imposed after Chief Minister N Biren Singh's resignation in February 2023.

(With inputs from agencies.)