INDIA Bloc Challenges Election Commission Amid Bihar Voter List Controversy

In a crucial political development, the INDIA bloc will assemble in New Delhi on August 7 to address growing concerns over the controversial Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise in Bihar's electoral rolls, as confirmed by Congress MP KC Venugopal. The meeting, set against the backdrop of looming assembly elections, aims to unite opposition voices against perceived electoral malpractice.

Congress has criticized the Election Commission for allegedly compromising democratic principles, with Venugopal promising to expose the body's "serious malpractices" in Bengaluru on August 5. Concerns have heightened following the exclusion of numerous voters from Bihar's draft electoral rolls, a situation the bloc argues undermines electoral fairness and transparency.

The revision exercise's revelations that approximately 35 lakh voters are untraceable have sparked national debate. Members of the INDIA bloc have called for urgent parliamentary discussions, filing adjournment and Rule 267 notices amid parliamentary disruptions. With the 2024 General Elections in sight, the controversies surrounding Bihar's voter list gain significance, mirroring wider fears about the presence of illegal migrants affecting electoral integrity.

(With inputs from agencies.)