The INDIA bloc is intensifying its campaign for a parliamentary debate on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar, with Congress MP KC Venugopal announcing a key meeting of alliance leaders on August 7 in Delhi. The gathering, set to take place over dinner at the residence of Congress MP and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, aims to strategize their push for addressing alleged irregularities in the voter revision process ahead of Bihar’s assembly elections.

Venugopal accused the Election Commission of undermining democracy, claiming “serious malpractices” in the SIR process, including the exclusion of numerous voters from Bihar’s draft electoral rolls. “The Election Commission is systematically targeting the democratic values of this country,” he told ANI, adding that the Congress plans to expose these issues during a press conference in Bengaluru on August 5. “We expected neutrality, but many voters’ names have been excluded. How can a fair democracy run like this?” he questioned.

The Opposition’s demand for a debate has sparked sharp criticism from Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, who accused them of lacking trust in constitutional bodies like the Election Commission, Supreme Court, and CAG. Defending the SIR process, Joshi noted it is not a new practice and incorporates advanced technology this time. “There is a three-level scope of appeal,” he said, urging the Opposition to use procedural channels rather than disrupting Parliament. He also criticized their tactics, pointing out that after demanding a discussion on Operation Sindoor, which was granted, the Opposition continued to stall proceedings.

Also Read: INDIA Bloc Plans Showdown Over ‘Vote Chori’ SIR Storm

The Monsoon Session, ongoing since July 21, has been marred by disruptions, with the SIR issue at the forefront. As the INDIA bloc prepares for its August 7 meeting, the standoff over the voter revision debate threatens to further derail parliamentary business, setting the stage for a heated confrontation.

Also Read: Opposition Protests SIR Voter Roll in Parliament