Patna: Tensions flared in the Bihar Assembly on the third day of the monsoon session as opposition MLAs continued their protest over the ongoing voter list revision process, which they claim is undemocratic and exclusionary.
Senior Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) MLA Bhai Virendra accused the state government of attempting to “end democracy” in Bihar. Speaking ahead of Thursday’s proceedings, Virendra claimed that names were being unfairly removed from the electoral rolls under the pretext of the CIA (Chief Electoral Officer’s orders), and described the move as part of a broader strategy to silence the electorate.
“Bihar has been the cradle of democracy, and now a conspiracy is underway to dismantle it,” he said. “As long as we live, we will not let democracy die in this state.”
Opposition legislators, dressed in black as a mark of protest, staged noisy demonstrations both inside and outside the House. They have demanded a formal discussion in the Assembly on the voter list revision, submitting proposals daily.
“How will elections be held if people’s names are missing from the rolls? How will the House function when there are no voters?” Birendra asked, urging the media to inform the public that the opposition is voicing their concerns.
