Senior Congress leader Sonia Gandhi on Wednesday joined INDIA bloc MPs in a protest at Makar Dwar, outside Parliament, against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter rolls in poll-bound Bihar and the alleged arrest of migrant labourers in BJP-ruled states.
Carrying a banner that read “SIR – Attack on Democracy,” Sonia Gandhi stood alongside her daughter Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Wayanad MP, as well as other prominent MPs including Pramod Tiwari and Manickam Tagore.
The protest, organised by the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA), was further bolstered by the participation of Trinamool Congress (TMC) MPs, who have been separately voicing concerns over the alleged harassment of Bengali-speaking workers in various BJP-ruled states. On Wednesday, however, they joined the broader demonstration.
Protesters displayed caricature posters mocking the Election Commission (EC). One cartoon depicted a man labeled “EC” dressed in uniform and shackled, holding an EVM machine with the words “YES SIR” in a speech bubble — a satirical reference to allegations that the EC is acting under the influence of the central government.
Opposition MPs have been continuously protesting since the monsoon session began on July 21, demanding a halt to the SIR process, which they claim is biased and politically motivated. The protests have taken place both inside and outside the House.
On July 29, leaders including Gaurav Gogoi, Hibi Eden, Kanimozhi, Mahua Maji, and Manoj Jha braved the rain to hold posters outside Parliament, continuing the demand to stop the voter list revision exercise in Bihar. Congress MP Manickam Tagore also posted a satirical cartoon on social media, mocking the Election Commission.
Meanwhile, the Lok Sabha’s agenda for Wednesday includes a resolution by Union Home Minister Amit Shah to extend President’s Rule in Manipur by another six months. President’s Rule was first imposed in Manipur on February 13, following the resignation of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh amid ongoing ethnic violence in the state.
If approved, the extension will keep President’s Rule in place in Manipur until February 13, 2026.
