“Vote Chori in the Name of SIR”: Gaurav Gogoi Slams Bihar Voter List Drive

The ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in poll-bound Bihar has sparked major political controversy, with the Opposition accusing the BJP-led NDA government of manipulating the voter list process ahead of the upcoming state assembly elections.

Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi on Wednesday accused the government of trying to avoid any discussion on the issue in Parliament. He called the voter list revision process “vote chori” (vote theft) and said, “If we don't protect people's right to vote, how will democracy survive? They don’t want a discussion on this ‘vote chori’. The BJP is once again attacking democracy and taking away people's voting rights.”

As Opposition MPs raised the issue along with other matters, including the recent Pahalgam attack, Operation Sindoor, and US President Donald Trump's remarks on India-Pakistan, both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha were repeatedly disrupted and finally adjourned till July 24.

Meanwhile in Bihar, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav questioned the timing and fairness of the voter list update. He criticised the Election Commission’s move, saying it would make it harder for poor and migrant voters to register. “They are asking for 11 documents to get on the voter list. Where will poor people find so many papers in just 25 days?” he asked.

Tejashwi said a revision could have been done calmly after the Lok Sabha elections instead of rushing the process now. He raised concerns that this move might leave out many genuine voters.

The issue also triggered a stormy debate in the Bihar Assembly, where Tejashwi and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar clashed over the matter.

With state elections approaching, the Opposition has warned that this sudden and strict revision of the voter list may prevent many people, especially the poor and migrants, from casting their vote.

Also Read: ‘SIR is a Scam!’: Mass Protests Erupt in Bihar Over Voter Roll Revision Drive