The INDIA bloc on Tuesday escalated its protest outside the Parliament building, accusing the Election Commission of India (ECI) of facilitating “vote theft” through the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar.
Prominent leaders including Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra joined the demonstration, holding banners against alleged “Silent Invisible Rigging” and calling for an end to “vote chori.”
The protest came just days after CEC Gyanesh Kumar dismissed the Opposition’s allegations in a press conference and asked Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, to file a signed affidavit with evidence of his claims of electoral manipulation.
Since the start of the Monsoon Session on July 21, Opposition parties have repeatedly raised objections in Parliament over voter list revisions, while treasury benches have accused them of disrupting proceedings.
Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju urged the Opposition to take up disputes directly with the Election Commission instead of stalling parliamentary business. “Any issue with the ECI should be discussed with the Commission, not in Parliament,” Rijiju said.
Meanwhile, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi continued his 16-day ‘Voter Adhikar Yatra’ in Bihar, covering over 20 districts and 1,300 km to mobilize public awareness on voter rights. On Tuesday, he reached Aurangabad to lead the second day of the campaign.
In a post on social media platform X, Rahul Gandhi wrote: “16 days, 20+ districts, 1,300+ km — we are coming among the people with the Voter Adhikaar Yatra. This is the fight to protect the most fundamental democratic right — ‘one person, one vote.’ Join us in Bihar to save the Constitution.”
The rally, backed by INDIA bloc leaders, is expected to conclude in Patna on September 1, with the Opposition framing it as a historic struggle to safeguard democracy.