Political clashes have intensified in Bihar over the SIR process of the voter list. The opposition has termed it a conspiracy to cut the votes of the poor and backward classes and announced a march to the Election Commission office on August 11.
Patna: Ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections, the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) being conducted in the voter list has created a stir in national politics. Questioning this process, the opposition has raised questions about the intentions of the central government and the Election Commission. Congress leader KC Venugopal has accused the government of avoiding discussion on this important issue in Parliament because it wants to hide something.
On the other hand, the government says that the matter is pending in the Supreme Court, so it cannot be debated in Parliament under constitutional rules. But the opposition is not satisfied with this answer and is now preparing to march to the Election Commission office in Delhi on August 11.
What is SIR and why is there a dispute?
Special Intensive Revision (SIR) is a process of the Election Commission under which a special revision of the voter list is conducted. Its purpose is to make the voter list updated and error-free. But the opposition claims that through this process, the votes of the poor, Dalits, and backward classes are being deliberately removed. KC Venugopal said, 'The government does not even want to hear the word SIR. It is clear that something is being hidden. This process is becoming a way to deprive people of their right to vote in the name of transparency.'
He said that the Supreme Court had advised linking Aadhaar with Voter ID, but the government is neither listening to the court nor following democratic values.
Opposition's question on SIR – Conspiracy to cut votes?
KC Venugopal said that the special review of the voter list in Bihar by the Election Commission is being done at a time when the state is preparing for elections. He questioned why the government is avoiding telling what the need for this process is. He claimed that through this process, the names of voters from poor, backward, and Dalit classes can be removed from the list. Venugopal alleged that some specific sections are being targeted in a planned manner through SIR so that the ruling party can get electoral benefits.
He also said that the Supreme Court had certainly talked about linking Aadhaar card and Voter ID, but if votes are being removed unilaterally in its name, then it is against the constitution.
Opposition protest, demonstration of unity
On this issue, the joint alliance of opposition parties, INDIA Bloc, is now preparing to take to the streets. A protest march will be organized to the Election Commission office in Delhi on August 11. Apart from the Congress, leaders of Aam Aadmi Party, RJD, Trinamool Congress, DMK and other opposition parties will participate in this march. Aam Aadmi Party convener Arvind Kejriwal has also announced to join the march. Venugopal says that, 'This is not just a political opposition, but a fight to protect democracy.'
Central Government's Stand – Matter in Court, Discussion Not Possible
On the other hand, the central government has rejected the allegations of the opposition on this issue and clarified that the matter related to SIR is under consideration in the Supreme Court. Discussing it in Parliament will be against the rules. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said in response in the Lok Sabha that under rules 186(viii) and 352(i), there can be no discussion on any issue that is pending in court. He also said that the Election Commission is an independent institution and Parliament cannot interfere in its functions. Rijiju, taunting the opposition, said that they are deliberately ignoring the constitutional process and by doing so, they are violating parliamentary decorum.
