Parliament Tensions Rise Over Bihar's Voter List Revision

Rising tensions in Parliament as Congress MP Randeep Singh Surjewala requests a suspension of business to address concerns over the Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision exercise in Bihar. Opposition demands clarity amid fears of voter exclusion, while the government cites procedural barriers to immediate discussion.

Tuesday morning saw rising tensions within the Indian Parliament as Congress MP Randeep Singh Surjewala submitted a notice under Rule 267, seeking a suspension of business in the Rajya Sabha. The purpose was to address mounting concerns related to the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise carried out by the Election Commission in Bihar ahead of imminent assembly elections, a move raising alarms over potential voter exclusion.

In his notice, Surjewala expressed anxiety about the transparency and procedural integrity of the voter list revision in Bihar, with implications for similar exercises planned in other states, including West Bengal. The opposition is worried that without adequate safeguards, these revisions might marginalize already vulnerable communities.

Opposition members, part of the INDIA bloc, have voiced their intent through protests and continued demands for parliamentary discussion. Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju reaffirmed the government's openness to discuss issues as per rules but maintained that SIR, being a constitutional exercise, cannot be discussed in current sessions. Meanwhile, a significant meeting of the NDA Parliamentary Party was scheduled amid the standoff, signalling ongoing political negotiations.

(With inputs from agencies.)