Parliament in Turmoil for Second Day as Opposition Protests Rock Both Houses over VP Resignation and Bihar Voter Roll Revision
The Monsoon Session of Parliament remained stalled for the second consecutive day as the Opposition INDIA bloc intensified its protests, both inside and outside the two Houses, over what it called deeply “undemocratic” moves by the Centre and the Election Commission of India (ECI).
The flashpoints: the sudden resignation of Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar and the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar.
Lok Sabha Grinds to a Halt over Voter Roll Row
In the Lok Sabha, the situation rapidly spiraled into a deadlock as the Opposition demanded an urgent discussion on the controversial voter roll revision exercise in Bihar.
The Congress party, along with other INDIA bloc members, alleged that the move was a “systematic attempt to disenfranchise sections of voters, particularly from marginalized communities.”
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who also serves as the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, sought permission to raise the issue formally on the floor.
However, his request was denied by the Speaker, prompting uproar from the Opposition benches.
The resulting chaos led to multiple adjournments, preventing any significant legislative business from taking place.
Speaking to reporters outside Parliament, Rahul Gandhi accused the government of “muzzling the voice of the Opposition” by denying him and other MPs the right to speak on issues of national importance.
“What are they afraid of?” he asked, terming the silence from the Treasury benches on the voter roll revision “deeply suspicious.”
Rajya Sabha Disrupted Over Dhankhar’s Resignation
Meanwhile, the Rajya Sabha witnessed equally turbulent scenes. Opposition leaders moved multiple notices under Rule 267, seeking the suspension of regular business to urgently discuss Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar’s abrupt resignation — a development that has triggered widespread speculation and concern over the political climate within the ruling establishment.
In addition to Dhankhar’s resignation, members also pressed for an immediate debate on the Bihar electoral roll revisions.
The Chair, however, rejected all Rule 267 motions, citing procedural grounds. In response, agitated Opposition MPs rushed to the Well of the House, raising slogans and holding placards. The disruptions led to repeated adjournments, effectively stalling proceedings for the day.
Protests Spill Outside Parliament
Beyond the walls of the legislature, Opposition MPs staged a high-decibel protest at the main entrance of the new Parliament building, demanding that the Election Commission immediately halt the voter roll revision in Bihar.
Leaders including Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, and Derek O’Brien accused the EC of acting under pressure from the Centre and warned that the revision process was “being weaponized for political gains.”
The protest was marked by slogans such as “Loktantra ka ghatak, voter roll ka chhantak” (Enemy of democracy, manipulator of voter rolls) and “ECI shame, stop this game.”
Government Hits Back, Accuses Opposition of Hypocrisy
In a fiery rebuttal, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju addressed the Lok Sabha amid the noise, accusing the Opposition of adopting double standards.
“They claim they want a debate. We agreed to it — especially on Operation Sindoor, a topic they had raised in the business advisory committee. But now they’re moving the goalposts,” Rijiju said. He accused the Opposition of manufacturing disruptions and being unwilling to let the House function.
Sources in the government said that the Bihar voter roll revision was a “routine administrative exercise,” conducted under constitutional provisions, and that the Election Commission had clarified its legal mandate.
However, the timing of the revision, just months before major state and national elections, has given the Opposition grounds to allege foul play.
Constitutional Crisis or Political Posturing?
The twin issues of Jagdeep Dhankhar’s resignation, which came without public explanation, and the electoral roll revision in a politically crucial state like Bihar, have turned into a stormy test of parliamentary democracy. While the government insists it is open to debate, the Opposition maintains that it is being silenced.
The INDIA bloc is expected to persist with its protests unless these issues are formally taken up for discussion in both Houses, setting the stage for further gridlock in this crucial session of Parliament.
