The Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar has sparked significant controversy, with a Janata Dal (United) MP openly criticizing the process and opposition parties staging protests both inside and outside Parliament. The SIR, intended to revise and update the voter lists ahead of upcoming elections, has been accused of potentially disenfranchising marginalized communities and lacking practical understanding of the ground realities in Bihar.

JDU MP Giridhari Yadav has voiced strong disapproval of the SIR, characterizing it as a "forceful imposition". He argued that the Election Commission (EC) lacks practical knowledge about Bihar's demographics and history. Yadav shared his personal experience of spending 10 days gathering the necessary documents, questioning how individuals, especially those living abroad, could comply with the strict requirements within the given timeframe. While clarifying that this was his personal opinion, his criticism highlights concerns within the ruling coalition regarding the SIR's implementation.

Opposition parties have united in their condemnation of the SIR, alleging that it is a deliberate attempt to disenfranchise marginalized groups and manipulate the electoral process. Led by figures like Rahul Gandhi, opposition MPs have staged protests at the Makar Dwar inside the Parliament premises, holding placards with slogans such as "SIR: Stealing Indian Rights" and "SIR: Subverting Indian Republic". They wore black bands to express their anger and solidarity with those who might lose their voting rights.

Congress MP Manickam Tagore submitted an adjournment motion in the Lok Sabha, demanding an urgent discussion on what he termed a "blatant and unconstitutional attempt" to deny voting rights to the poor, backward, Dalit, and marginalized communities in Bihar. He likened the SIR to "colonial practices" where only the elite had the right to vote, accusing the government of exhibiting a "Manuwadi mindset" aimed at reversing social justice gains. Congress MP Imran Masood alleged that the SIR is designed to deprive tribals, Dalits, backward classes, and Muslims of their voting rights.

The opposition's protest disrupted proceedings in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, leading to multiple adjournments. They demanded a debate on the issue and called for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's presence in the House to address their concerns. The parties have vowed to continue raising the issue in Parliament until the Election Commission addresses their concerns.

Conversely, Union Ministers Chirag Paswan and Giriraj Singh have defended the SIR, accusing the opposition of spreading confusion and asserting that voter list revisions are a routine process. JD(U) MP Sanjay Kumar Jha stated that the exercise aims to remove bogus voters and ensure that no genuine voter is left out.

Critics argue that the SIR's stringent documentation requirements disproportionately affect the poor, migrants, and Muslims, potentially leading to large-scale disenfranchisement. Concerns have been raised that the SIR resembles the National Register of Citizens (NRC), requiring citizens to prove their citizenship, a task that many find difficult. The Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) has petitioned against the SIR, arguing that it violates Article 326 of the Constitution by requiring voters to provide documents proving their citizenship and that of their parents.

The CPI(M) has announced nationwide protests against the SIR, alleging that the Election Commission is exceeding its authority by verifying voter citizenship during electoral roll revisions. They claim that Bengali-speaking populations are being systematically targeted, with individuals detained and deported without proper verification.

The controversy surrounding the SIR highlights the deep political divisions and the sensitivity surrounding electoral processes in India. The Election Commission is facing increasing scrutiny over its handling of voter list revisions, with opposition parties alleging bias and potential disenfranchisement of vulnerable populations. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether the concerns raised by the opposition and dissenting voices within the ruling coalition are addressed, ensuring a fair and inclusive electoral process in Bihar.