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Key Points

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju stated that the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of Bihar's electoral rolls cannot be discussed in Parliament as it's an Election Commission process. The opposition claims the SIR exercise targets marginalized voters ahead of state elections, leading to repeated Parliament adjournments. Rahul Gandhi accused EC officials of "treason" for their involvement in the voter list revision. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla criticized opposition MPs for disrupting proceedings instead of raising issues properly.

Key Points: Kiren Rijiju Says No Discussion on Bihar SIR as EC Process

  • Rijiju defends SIR as constitutional EC process
  • Opposition alleges voter disenfranchisement in Bihar
  • Rahul Gandhi warns EC officials involved
  • Parliament adjourned amid protests over SIR debate
3 min read

There cannot be discussion on SIR because...: Union Minister Kiren Rijiju

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju clarifies SIR is an EC constitutional process, sparking opposition protests in Parliament over Bihar voter roll revisions.

"There cannot be a discussion on SIR because it is a process undertaken by a Constitutional body – Kiren Rijiju"

New Delhi, August 1

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju on Friday clarified that the government is ready to hold discussions on any issue as per rules, but there cannot be a discussion on Special Intensive Revision (SIR) as it is a process undertaken by a constitutional body, the Election Commission of India.

"I want to clarify that the government is ready to hold discussions on any issue as per rules. There cannot be a discussion on SIR because it is a process undertaken by a Constitutional body, and it is not happening for the first time..." Rijiju told ANI.

The Monsoon Session of Parliament has been disrupted due to the opposition's protests over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar.

The opposition alleges that the SIR exercise is aimed at disenfranchising voters in Bihar ahead of the assembly elections.

They claim that the large-scale deletions of voter names could be politically motivated, targeting marginalised communities and migrants.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi accused the government of attempting to interfere with Bihar's voter rolls.

The government has defended the SIR exercise, saying it's a transparent process with participation from all political parties and extensive public involvement. The Election Commission of India emphasised that names will not be deleted without proper notice and written orders.

The Election Commission is set to publish the draft electoral rolls for Bihar, allowing claims and objections to be filed until September 1, 2025.

Opposition MPs, including Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge, have submitted adjournment motions and Rule 267 notices demanding a discussion on the SIR issue in both Houses.

Both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha have been adjourned multiple times due to the opposition's sloganeering and protests.

Earlier in the day, Congress MPs Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra met Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Friday and raised the issue of Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voter list in poll-bound Bihar.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Rahul Gandhi stated that anyone in the Election Commission of India involved in the SIR exercise will not be "spared".

"Most importantly, whoever in the Elections Commission is involved in this exercise, right from top to bottom, we will not spare you. You are working against India, and this is no less than treason," he said.

Earlier today, Members of Parliament from the INDIA bloc parties protested in front of Makar Dawar in Parliament.

The Parliament proceedings in both houses witnessed sloganeering as the Opposition demanded a discussion on the SIR.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla adjourned the House minutes after it convened.

Before adjourning the house, Lok Sabha Speaker said, "You are not representing the public by sloganeering. People have given you an opportunity to put their issues in the House."

"This is wrong behaviour. You should follow parliamentary rules. If we have to strengthen democracy, issues have to be raised," he added.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Priya N
As a Bihar resident, I'm worried 😟 My entire family's names were on voter list last election but now we're hearing about mass deletions. EC should conduct proper awareness campaigns in rural areas before removing any names.
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Amit K
Rahul Gandhi's "treason" remark is completely irresponsible. EC officials are just doing their constitutional duty. If there are genuine concerns, raise them properly instead of threatening officials. This is not how democracy works!
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Shreya M
Both sides need to behave responsibly. Government should allow discussion to clear doubts, and opposition should stop disrupting Parliament. Voter list cleanliness is important but so is ensuring no genuine voter is left out 🙏
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Vikram J
EC has good systems in place - they give notice before deletion and allow objections. In my colony, Booth Level Officer came door-to-door to verify. This political drama is just before Bihar elections. Sab neta log vote bank ki politics karte hain!
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Neha R
Instead of protesting, opposition should help educate voters about checking their names in draft rolls and filing claims. That would be more productive than wasting Parliament time. We pay for these disruptions through our taxes 💸

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