Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday renewed the Opposition’s demand for a Parliamentary debate on the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar, alleging serious irregularities and vote deletion targeting marginalised communities.
Speaking at a press conference, Kharge said, “We want a discussion on the Special Intensive Revision exercise. We’ve been repeatedly asking the Speaker, the Chairman, and the government that our votes must not be stolen. We are simply seeking time to raise issues of irregularities in the voter list and theft of votes.”
He stressed that the Opposition’s intention is to point out errors in the SIR process and provide constructive suggestions in the national interest.
“If a full discussion is allowed, we can expose unconstitutional practices, correct mistakes, and protect the rights of voters—especially those losing their right to vote,” Kharge said.
The Congress chief also criticised Deputy Rajya Sabha Chairman Harivansh for rejecting the discussion, reminding that former Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar had previously stated that “everything under the planet” can be discussed in Parliament.
Kharge alleged that the SIR process is disproportionately affecting minorities, Dalits, tribals, MGNREGA workers, and migrant labourers, accusing the government of systematically deleting their votes.
“Whose votes are being cut? Minority votes, Dalit votes, tribal votes, even MGNREGA workers’ votes are being removed,” he said.
Earlier in the day, Opposition MPs from the INDIA bloc, including Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, held a protest inside the Parliament House complex, demanding accountability from the Election Commission over the voter list revision in Bihar.
The protesting MPs displayed a banner reading: “The SIR: Demand discussion, not deletion!”
Speaking to ANI, Priyanka Gandhi remarked, “Have they become so weak? They can’t run Parliament or even respond to Trump. All we’re asking for is a discussion—how difficult is that?”
The Opposition continues to press for immediate debate on the SIR process amid growing concerns over voter disenfranchisement in the lead-up to the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections.
