INDIA bloc stages b protest outside Parliament against SIR in Bihar and arrests of laborers in BJP-ruled states. Sonia Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, and TMC MPs also participated.
Bihar SIR Protest: The Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA bloc) staged a b protest outside Parliament House on Wednesday against the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in Bihar and the arrests of laborers in BJP-ruled states. Senior Congress leader Sonia Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, and MPs from several opposition parties participated in the protest.
Sonia Gandhi Takes the Lead
Sonia Gandhi played an active role in the demonstration. She stood at the Makar Dwar of Parliament House with a large banner titled 'SIR - Attack on Democracy'. Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi was also present with her. Through this protest, the opposition parties described the voter list revision process in Bihar as unconstitutional and biased.
Participation of TMC MPs
Members of Parliament from the Trinamool Congress (TMC) also participated in the demonstration. The TMC was already protesting against the alleged mistreatment of Bengalis in BJP-ruled states. On Wednesday, they showed solidarity by joining the INDIA bloc and criticized the BJP government on the issue of the arrest of laborers.
Sharp Attack by Opposition on Election Commission
Opposition MPs held posters and cartoons questioning the role of the Election Commission (ECI). A prominent poster depicted a person named 'EC' in a police uniform, shackled, holding a machine resembling an EVM. The speech bubble in the poster read: "YES SIR". This was a direct indication that the Election Commission was allegedly working under pressure from the central government.
Online Protest Through #SIR Hashtag
The demonstration also received support on social media. The #SIR hashtag was trending on Twitter (now X). The opposition alleges that the Special Intensive Revision process (SIR) of the voter list in Bihar is being used to exclude voters and weaken democracy.
Direct Allegation on BJP
The opposition has clearly accused the BJP of misusing administrative institutions for electoral gains. Leaders of the INDIA bloc say that this is not just a matter for Bihar, but an attack on democratic values across the country.
Protest to Continue During Monsoon Session
Since the Parliament's Monsoon Session began on July 21, the opposition has hardened its stance against the BJP and the Election Commission. Leaders have said that the protests will continue until transparency and fairness are brought to the voter list revision.
Claim to Protect Democracy
Congress and other opposition parties described their protest as necessary to protect democracy. Congress MP Pramod Tiwari said, "We are not fighting for any party, but for the Constitution and democracy. If people are excluded from the voter list, it is a direct attack on democratic rights."
