A deadlock persists in the Lok Sabha over the demand for a discussion on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voter list in Bihar. The government has stated that a discussion cannot be held on this matter as it falls under the purview of the Election Commission’s actions, and rules do not permit it. However, both the government and the Speaker have made it clear that bills will be passed even amidst disruptions in the Lok Sabha. Meanwhile, a suggestion has been put forth to discuss election reforms instead of SIR, which could incorporate issues similar to SIR.
This suggestion has been proposed by some opposition parties. Discussions on election reforms have taken place in Parliament before, and a broad discussion on election reforms may be held this time as well. However, the government maintains that a discussion can only occur if the rules permit it and the Chair decides accordingly.
House proceedings are scheduled to resume on Tuesday. According to sources, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has informed opposition leaders that the House will convene from tomorrow. Discussions on the bills to be passed by the government will take place. The opposition now needs to decide whether or not to participate. If the opposition continues to disrupt proceedings over SIR, bills will still be passed amidst the disruptions.
The opposition is protesting over the revision of the voter list in Bihar. This issue is resonating from Bihar to Parliament. With the monsoon session of Parliament underway, opposition parties are continuously demanding a discussion on the issue of the Bihar voter list revision in Parliament. Opposition parties are alleging that the SIR is depriving millions of people of their right to vote.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju had earlier dismissed the opposition’s demand for a discussion on SIR. Rijiju had stated on Friday that actions of constitutional bodies like the Election Commission cannot be discussed in Parliament.
Meanwhile, the Election Commission released the draft voter list of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) on Friday. According to the draft voter list released on Friday, approximately 6.5 million names have been removed from across the state. Bihar has a total of 72.4 million voters. 6.5 million voters’ names have been removed. However, those whose names have been removed include deceased, displaced, and foreign voters.