Opposition Walks Out in Rajya Sabha, Seeks Urgent Discussion on SIR

New Delhi

Several MPs from the INDIA bloc staged a protest in the Parliament House complex on Monday against the Election Commission’s voter list revision exercise in Bihar.

The protest was led by Congress president and Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge. The MPs raised slogans such as vote chor, gaddi chhor and vote chori band karo, accusing the Election Commission of attempting voter fraud. They carried a large banner with the words vote chori and posters demanding Stop SIR.

Leaders from Congress, Trinamool Congress, DMK, Left parties, RJD, and Samajwadi Party gathered near the Makar Dwar of Parliament with placards and banners.

Speculation has grown that the opposition may even consider moving an impeachment motion against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Congress leader Naseer Hussain said the opposition would explore all democratic means to ensure the post of CEC remains unbiased and trustworthy.

Opposition MPs have been continuously raising the issue inside both Houses, claiming that the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in Bihar is an attempt to disenfranchise voters ahead of the upcoming assembly elections. They have been pressing for a detailed discussion on the matter.

Since the Monsoon session began on July 21, Parliament has witnessed repeated adjournments, with little business conducted except discussions related to Operation Sindoor. The SIR controversy has dominated proceedings so far.

Opposition MPs walked out of the Rajya Sabha on Monday demanding a discussion on the revision of Bihar’s electoral rolls. Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge raised the issue, but the Chair declined. Despite the scheduled agenda on various bills, Opposition members staged noisy protests, shouted slogans, and left the House in protest.