Opposition Ramps Up Protests Over Electoral Roll Changes
Even as the Lok Sabha discussed the removal motion against Justice Varma, the Opposition intensified its protests, demanding a debate on alleged large-scale deletions and fraudulent additions to electoral rolls in Bihar. Congress MP Manickam Tagore moved an adjournment motion in the Lok Sabha, alleging coordinated attempts to manipulate voter lists in both Bihar and Karnataka.
Tagore claimed that over 1 lakh fake votes were allegedly added in Karnataka’s Mahadevapura constituency and more than 65 lakh voters flagged for deletion in Bihar’s ongoing SIR process. He alleged that these actions disproportionately targeted Dalits, Muslims, migrant workers, and the urban poor, often without prior notice. Even prominent political leaders, including RJD’s Tejashwi Yadav, reportedly found their names missing from the draft rolls.
In the Rajya Sabha, Congress MP Randeep Singh Surjewala submitted a notice under Rule 267 to suspend scheduled business and discuss the alleged exclusion of vulnerable communities from voter rolls. However, the Chair rejected all 21 notices received under Rule 267, citing procedural rulings and sub judice matters.
Trinamool Congress MP Derek O’Brien also raised concerns over the government listing the IT Bill—containing over 500 clauses—as supplementary business without adequate time for review. His demand for a discussion on the Bihar voter roll revisions was also declined.
Repeated Adjournments Mark the Day
Frequent disruptions led to multiple unscheduled adjournments in both Houses. The Lok Sabha was adjourned twice before noon, while the Rajya Sabha was suspended until 2 p.m. amid loud protests. The Speaker extended the tenure of the joint committee examining the proposal for simultaneous Lok Sabha and Assembly elections until the Winter Session.
Despite the chaos, the Rajya Sabha managed to adopt motions to elect members to the Tea Board, Coffee Board, and Spices Board, and allowed members to submit amendments for the National Sports Governance Bill and National Anti-Doping (Amendment) Bill.
Political Temperatures Remain High
Monday’s proceedings had already set a combative tone after over 30 Opposition MPs, including Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Sanjay Raut, and Sagarika Ghose, were detained during a protest march against alleged voter list tampering. The atmosphere in Parliament on Tuesday reflected the same intensity, with the electoral roll controversy threatening to overshadow legislative business.
As the Monsoon Session nears its conclusion, the standoff between the government and Opposition shows no signs of easing, with electoral integrity emerging as a central flashpoint.