The Opposition's INDIA bloc is preparing for a high-voltage political offensive next week, with a key dinner meeting slated for August 7 and a protest march to the Election Commission on August 8, sources confirmed on Sunday. The coordinated moves come amid a major standoff with the ruling NDA over the controversial Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

Opposition leaders say the SIR process, especially in Bihar, is nothing short of “vote-bandi” and “vote chori,” accusing the Modi government of trying to disenfranchise large swathes of the electorate. The Monsoon Session of Parliament has already been disrupted over the issue, with the Opposition demanding a debate—a request the government has so far refused to entertain.

Sources say the INDIA bloc’s August 7 dinner meeting will focus on strategy ahead of the EC march and may also address the upcoming Vice Presidential election. There’s strong buzz that the Opposition may field a joint candidate, signaling deeper unity ahead of the 2026 general elections.

Also Read: Opposition Protests SIR Voter Roll in Parliament

Trinamool Congress leader Derek O’Brien didn’t mince words, branding the SIR process as “silent invisible rigging.” He also took aim at the BJP, accusing the “shaky Modi coalition” of being too afraid to allow a parliamentary discussion. “From Monday, we’ll give the Modi coalition free tutorials in Parliament rules to show how it can be discussed,” he posted on X (formerly Twitter).

Meanwhile, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju referenced a past ruling by former Lok Sabha Speaker Balram Jakhar, arguing that the functioning of constitutional bodies like the Election Commission isn’t debatable in Parliament. Still, he added that it would ultimately be up to the presiding officers of both Houses to make that call.

With tensions rising and neither side backing down, the INDIA bloc has vowed to keep pressing until the government agrees to a formal debate. As it stands, the Monsoon Session appears headed for a complete washout—unless Parliament suddenly finds common ground over the increasingly volatile SIR controversy.

Also Read: Monsoon Session: Opposition MPs Demand Urgent SIR Debate in Parliament