The ongoing political impasse in the Lok Sabha is centered on the demand for a debate concerning the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of Bihar’s voter list. The government has firmly asserted that a discussion on the matter is not feasible, citing the Election Commission’s jurisdiction and relevant procedural rules. Simultaneously, the government and the Speaker have communicated their resolve to proceed with the passage of bills, irrespective of disruptions within the Lok Sabha.
In a bid to resolve the deadlock, a proposition has emerged suggesting a discussion on electoral reforms, potentially encompassing the SIR issue within a broader context. This suggestion has been put forward by various opposition parties, referencing previous parliamentary debates on electoral reforms. However, the government maintains that any discussion must adhere to procedural rules and be sanctioned by the Chair.
The proceedings of the House are set to continue from Tuesday. Speaker Om Birla has conveyed to opposition leaders that the House will be in session. Discussions and voting on the government’s proposed bills will take place. The opposition is now required to determine its level of engagement in the parliamentary proceedings. It is anticipated that bills will be passed despite any ongoing disruptions related to the SIR issue.
Currently, the opposition is actively protesting the revision of the voter list in Bihar. This issue has become a significant point of contention, extending from Bihar to the Parliament. During the ongoing monsoon session, opposition parties are persistently advocating for a parliamentary debate on the Bihar voter list revision, alleging that the SIR process is disenfranchising a substantial number of voters.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju has already rejected the opposition’s demand for a discussion on the SIR, stating that the actions of constitutional bodies like the Election Commission are not subject to parliamentary debate.
Concurrently, the Election Commission released a draft of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) voter list on Friday. This draft reveals the removal of approximately 6.5 million names across the state. Bihar currently has a total of 72.4 million voters. Although 6.5 million voter names have been removed, the deletions include names of deceased individuals, those who have relocated, and foreign voters.