The Rajya Sabha was plunged into chaos on August 20, 2025, as opposition MPs disrupted proceedings, forcing an adjournment until 2 p.m. due to their unrelenting demand for a discussion on alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar. The pre-lunch session saw no business conducted as opposition members, led by Congress, created an uproar with slogans and protests, accusing the government of enabling "vote chori" in the state ahead of the upcoming Bihar assembly elections.

When the Upper House convened at 11 a.m., opposition MPs immediately pressed their case, submitting 18 notices under Rule 267 to suspend listed business and address the SIR issue. Deputy Chairman Harivansh, however, rejected the notices, stating they did not comply with procedural rules. Despite his call to proceed with Zero Hour and Question Hour, opposition members rose from their seats, shouting slogans and refusing to relent, leading to an initial adjournment until 12 noon.

The chaos continued when the House reassembled, with Congress deputy leader Pramod Tiwari attempting to raise the SIR issue, only to be disallowed by acting Chairman Ghanshyam Tiwari. This triggered further sloganeering, with opposition MPs standing in protest, rendering the session unproductive and forcing another adjournment. The opposition’s agitation stems from claims that the SIR process in Bihar is marred by discrepancies, potentially compromising the integrity of the electoral process.

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The repeated disruptions highlight the escalating tensions between the government and opposition as the Bihar polls approach, with the SIR issue becoming a flashpoint. The opposition’s insistence on a discussion underscores broader concerns about electoral transparency, while the government’s refusal to entertain the notices has fueled accusations of sidestepping accountability. As the Rajya Sabha resumes, all eyes are on whether the opposition will persist with their protest or if a resolution can be reached to restore order.

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