New Delhi: Congress president and Rajya Sabha Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge has once again escalated pressure on the government, demanding a full-fledged discussion in the Upper House over the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar. Kharge, speaking on behalf of the Opposition bloc, wrote a detailed letter to Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh on Wednesday, stressing that the matter directly affects the democratic rights of millions, particularly those from weaker and marginalised communities.
Kharge termed the SIR a “paramount concern” and emphasised that the exercise—currently underway in Bihar and reportedly scheduled for states like West Bengal and Assam—raises serious questions about transparency and inclusivity in India’s electoral process.
“Our votes should not be stolen,” Kharge asserted in a press conference, pointing towards what he called irregularities and “vote theft” in the process. According to him, Opposition MPs have been consistently raising the issue since the beginning of the current parliamentary session on July 21, but the government has shown no intent to allow a formal discussion.
In his letter to the Deputy Chairman, Kharge referenced a previous ruling from July 21, 2023, issued by the then Chairman of Rajya Sabha, stating that the House can “discuss everything under the planet, with one restriction”—the conduct of Supreme Court or High Court judges, unless under impeachment proceedings.
“You yourself have quoted rulings given by the Chair over the past many years… It is clear from this ruling that the Rajya Sabha is entitled to discuss the issue of revision of electoral rolls, which is of fundamental importance to our democracy,” Kharge wrote.
He further argued that the SIR process should be open to parliamentary scrutiny. The aim, he said, is not only to highlight flaws but also to provide constructive suggestions that would benefit the integrity of elections and voter inclusion.
Meanwhile, Opposition parties under the INDIA bloc have staged repeated protests inside both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, raising placards and slogans, which have led to several adjournments. Despite two rounds of meetings with Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, there remains a deadlock between the Opposition and the government.
