Grand Alliance Launches Statewide Protest In Bihar Over Voter List Revision
The agitation targets the ongoing revision of the electoral rolls, which Opposition parties allege is discriminatory and aimed at disenfranchising marginalised communities.
As political temperatures rise in Bihar ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections, the Grand Alliance, led by Congress MP and Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi, is staging a major protest in Patna today. The agitation targets the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls, which opposition parties allege is discriminatory and aimed at disenfranchising marginalised communities.
Here are 5 key things to know about the protest:
Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi is in Patna today to lead a statewide protest against alleged irregularities in the ongoing voter list revision in Bihar. He is scheduled to march from the Income Tax roundabout to the Election Commission office near the Bihar Assembly at 10 am. This marks his seventh visit to the state in the past five months.
Protest Over Alleged Bias in Voter Roll Revision
The Congress, along with its allies — RJD and Left parties — is staging the 'chakka jam' to oppose what they claim is a biased Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls. They allege the process is designed to suppress the votes of the poor, migrants, and marginalised communities. 'This is a direct attack on the voting rights of the poor," said Bihar Congress chief Rajesh Ram.
The voter list revision, launched on June 24 by the Election Commission, mandates submission of any one of 11 ID documents. The opposition fears this could disenfranchise Dalits, Mahadalits, migrant workers, and economically weaker groups. They have called the update drive a 'conspiracy to block votes" in favour of the ruling alliance.
Gandhi May Visit Family of Murdered Businessman
Sources indicate that Rahul Gandhi may also meet the family of businessman Gopal Khemka, who was shot dead near Gandhi Maidan on July 4. The murder has intensified opposition attacks on the Bihar government over deteriorating law and order. Gandhi's visit is likely to add political weight to the opposition's narrative as the state gears up for a heated electoral season.
(With inputs from IANS)
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First Published:
July 09, 2025, 07:55 IST
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