Government Rejects Debate on Bihar Electoral Roll Revision, Citing Supreme Court Case and EC Autonomy

New Delhi, August 6 — The Centre on Tuesday firmly rejected the Opposition’s persistent demand for a debate on the Election Commission’s special electoral roll revision in Bihar, citing legal constraints and constitutional protocol.

Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, addressing the Lok Sabha amid continuous protests by the INDIA bloc, said the matter was sub judice as it is under consideration by the Supreme Court and hence cannot be discussed on the floor of the House. He also asserted that the Election Commission’s functioning being that of an autonomous institution cannot be scrutinised in Parliament.

“The government is open to discussions on all issues, but any debate must adhere to constitutional provisions and the Lok Sabha rules,” Rijiju stated. “As the matter concerning electoral roll revision in Bihar is pending before the apex court, we cannot allow a discussion.”

The Minister appealed to Opposition members to cease disrupting proceedings and instead participate in legislative debates, noting that the National Sports Governance Bill and the National Anti-Doping (Amendment) Bill were lined up for passage.

Meanwhile, leaders of several Opposition parties submitted a joint letter to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, urging that both sports-related bills be referred to a joint parliamentary committee for wider scrutiny, citing their national relevance.

The Opposition has accused the special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar of being politically motivated and designed to disenfranchise large segments of voters. Over 10 petitions, including by opposition parties and civil society groups like the Association for Democratic Reforms, are currently pending before the Supreme Court on the issue.

Outside the House, the protest grew louder. INDIA bloc MPs staged a demonstration in the Parliament complex, demanding a rollback of the SIR process and a full debate on the matter in both Houses.

Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra took a sharp jab at the government during the protest, accusing it of being unable to face even foreign powers or run Parliament effectively. “We are simply asking for a discussion. What’s the harm? Let both sides present their views this could be resolved in five minutes,” she said.

The standoff between the Opposition and the government shows no signs of easing, as calls for accountability clash with procedural roadblocks.