The Lok Sabha was adjourned until 12 noon on Monday amid relentless protests by opposition parties, primarily over the contentious Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar. The disruption, which halted proceedings within minutes of the session’s start, marks another setback in the ongoing Monsoon Session, which has been plagued by repeated adjournments since July 21.

As the House convened at 11 am, opposition MPs from Congress, Samajwadi Party, Rashtriya Janata Dal, and other INDIA bloc parties took to their feet, brandishing placards and chanting slogans like “SIR wapas lo” (roll back SIR) and “SIR pe charcha karo” (discuss SIR). Their primary demand was an immediate debate on the Election Commission’s voter roll revision in Bihar, which they claim unfairly targets marginalized communities ahead of the state’s upcoming assembly elections.

Speaker Om Birla initially pressed forward with the Question Hour, managing to address six questions related to various union ministries despite the uproar. However, after 15 minutes, he issued a stern warning to the protesters, stating, “No one has the right to damage government property. Such actions will force me to take strong measures.” Birla referenced past instances in state assemblies where members faced consequences for similar disruptions, though he did not specify details.

Also Read: 1,114 Hospitals De-Empanelled Under Ayushman Bharat Scheme

The opposition’s protests remained unrelenting, with MPs accusing the Election Commission of undermining electoral integrity. Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra emphasized the gravity of the issue, stating, “SIR is a serious matter concerning voters’ rights. The government must allow a discussion.” The government, however, maintains that the SIR is a routine administrative process and cannot be debated in Parliament, citing a precedent set by former Speaker Balram Jakhar.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju criticized the opposition, accusing them of “wasting public money” by stalling proceedings. “We are ready for discussion, but they disrupt the House,” he said, urging MPs to submit proposals through the Business Advisory Committee.

The ongoing deadlock has stalled key legislative business, including the National Sports Governance Bill and the National Anti-Doping (Amendment) Bill. With the Monsoon Session nearing its close, the continued protests signal deepening tensions over electoral transparency in Bihar.

Also Read: Govt Declares Energy Security a Top Priority Amid Global Tensions