The Parliament has been facing disruptions due to massive protests by the Opposition regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar. Despite the uproar and demands for discussion, there has been no official objection raised against the Bihar SIR.
For days, the Opposition has been demanding a discussion on the SIR exercise being conducted by the Election Commission (EC) in Bihar ahead of the state's Assembly elections. They claim the SIR has disproportionately affected marginalized communities and worry about targeted disenfranchisement potentially spreading to other states. Congress MP Manickam Tagore even submitted an adjournment motion in the Lok Sabha seeking a debate on the issue. Outside of Parliament, opposition MPs, including prominent Congress leaders, protested against the voter list revision, symbolically rejecting the move.
The protests have significantly disrupted parliamentary proceedings. On August 1, 2025, the Rajya Sabha faced adjournment due to intensified opposition protests, which prompted intervention by security personnel. Opposition members attempting to enter the well of the House were blocked by marshals, leading to objections regarding the deployment of security personnel. On August 4, 2025, similar protests rocked the Lok Sabha, with MPs raising slogans and placards, leading to its adjournment. Speaker Om Birla expressed his displeasure, stating that the protesting MPs were "systematically obstructing" the proceedings and lowering the dignity of the House. He urged them to discuss their issues with him and allow the House to function smoothly.
The government has responded to the opposition's allegations. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju stated that the increased security was a result of MPs' demands and was intended to prevent malicious actions. Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan (Lalan) Singh criticized the opposition's stance, claiming they were against a constitutionally valid process and that "those who are protesting against SIR want fraud in elections".
Despite the protests and demands for a debate, the government has not conceded to a formal discussion on the SIR. This lack of official response, coupled with the accusations from Union ministers, suggests an implicit approval of the SIR process, despite the disruptions it has caused in Parliament.
The ongoing protests reflect a deep divide between the ruling party and the opposition regarding the SIR in Bihar. While the opposition views it as a potential tool for disenfranchisement, the government defends it as a necessary measure for fair elections. The disruption of parliamentary proceedings highlights the intensity of the conflict and raises concerns about the functioning of the legislative body.