Parliament Monsoon Session Live Updates: Opposition slams EC’s Bihar voter revision; calls it ‘dangerous and unconstitutional’ – The Times of India
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Parliament Monsoon Session Live Updates: Opposition slams EC’s Bihar voter revision; calls it ‘dangerous and unconstitutional’
Congress MP Manickam Tagore submitted an adjournment motion in the Lok Sabha to demand an urgent discussion. Tagore accused the Narendra Modi-led government of misusing the Election Commission to “systematically disenfranchise” Dalits, backward castes, and the poor. Opposition parties are planning a symbolic protest at 10:30 am at Makar Dwar inside Parliament premises. Many MPs are expected to wear black bands to express their anger and solidarity with Bihar’s marginalised communities.
Tagore accused the Narendra Modi-led government of misusing the Election Commission to “systematically disenfranchise” Dalits, backward castes, and the poor. He argued that such a move violates the right to vote, a basic constitutional guarantee shaped by the vision of Dr BR Ambedkar.
In a strongly worded notice, Tagore claimed the SIR exercise resembled colonial-era tactics when only property-owning elites were allowed to vote. “This calculated disenfranchisement is reminiscent of colonial practices… The current regime’s actions reveal a Manuwadi mindset that seeks to reverse the democratic gains of social justice and universal adult franchise,” he said.
The Opposition has been raising the issue inside and outside Parliament, with several MPs moving similar notices on Tuesday. Both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha witnessed heavy disruptions due to protests, leading to adjournments until July 23.
Today, Opposition parties are planning a symbolic protest at 10:30 am at Makar Dwar inside Parliament premises. Many MPs are expected to wear black bands to express their anger and solidarity with Bihar’s marginalised communities who may lose their voting rights due to the revision process.
The controversy over the SIR has become a flashpoint in the Monsoon Session, with Opposition parties warning that the exercise is politically motivated and aimed at shrinking the voter base in favour of the ruling party.
Both Houses will reconvene at 11:00 am, but tensions are expected to remain high as the Opposition insists on a detailed discussion. The government has not yet responded to the allegations directly, but the debate over the EC’s role and fairness in the electoral process is likely to dominate today’s session.