Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Opposition Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav and other Mahagathbandhan party leaders on Wednesday led protests across Bihar against the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral roll ahead of the Assembly elections.

“Bihar Bandh” is being implemented across the state to protest against the Election Commission’s decision to revise electoral rolls and implement the new labour code. The SIR sparked controversy with opposition parties alleging irregularities and potential disenfranchisement of voters, particularly in flood-affected areas. The statewide bandh on July 9 by certain political parties is to protest against the SIR.

The protest is being organised and backed by Mahagathbandhan parties, including the RJD, Congress, Left parties, Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP), and independent leader Pappu Yadav.

The “chakka jam” (road blockade) protest comes on the same day with the Bharat Bandh called by 10 central trade unions and their affiliates across India to demand minimum wage and a new labour code, among other issues.

The announcement of the protest was made during a press conference on Monday attended by Leader of Opposition in Bihar Assembly Tejashwi Yadav, Bihar Congress president Rajesh Kumar, AICC in-charge for Bihar Krishna Allavaru, and leaders of Left parties.

Speaking at the briefing, Yadav had said the protest would be held across Bihar. He stated that the Mahagathbandhan was opposing both the labour code and the electoral roll revision, alleging that the SIR process had created “confusion” and was being conducted in a short timeframe. He also claimed that the revision was aimed at benefitting the ruling NDA.

Election Commission snatching voting rights of Bihar’s people through SIR: Opposition

Rahul Gandhi and other leaders commenced the protest from Income Tax Golambar in Patna. A large number of protestors from the Opposition parties hit the streets and blocked the movement of road traffic on Patna’s Mahatma Gandhi bridge by burning tyres.

“SIR is not only an attempt to steal your vote but also of your future. But the youths of Bihar will not let it happen, as the entire Opposition stands with you,” Rahul Gandhi said during the protests in Patna on Wednesday.

Criticising the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar over the revision of electoral rolls just months ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections, the state Congress President Rajesh Ram told ANI, “There is a difference between taking a decision while staying in Delhi and taking a decision while staying on the ground. If you had to do this, you should have done it before the Lok Sabha elections.”

Independent Lok Sabha MP from Purnea, Rajesh Ranjan alias Pappu Yadav told the media in Patna, “The Election Commission, through its Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, is snatching voting rights from migrants, Dalits, Mahadalits, and poor voters. It’s a conspiracy to block votes ahead of the Bihar assembly polls due later this year.”

Yadav and his supporters, led a protest disrupting the movement of railway traffic near Sachiwalay Halt railway station. His supporters blocked rail and road traffic in several parts of Patna and other places like Araria, Purnea, Katihar and Muzaffarpur.

Earlier, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav had expressed concerns over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR), claiming that those who do not have any of the 11 documents asked for verification of their names will be “removed” from the electoral roll list.

“The worry is that we have had no clarity from the EC so far. You all know that Bihar EC works only as a post office and has no authority to provide an answer. Why are they not answering the questions of the opposition and the people of Bihar? People of Bihar don’t have the 11 documents which the EC has asked for; rather, they have an Aadhar card, MGNREGA card, and ration card. This is the only document that the poor people of Bihar have. It is clear that the people who do not have these 11 documents, their names will be removed,” Yadav said.

What is Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls happening in Bihar?

The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar is an exercise aimed at updating the voters’ list with July 1, 2025, as the qualifying date. The SIR aims to add eligible citizens to the voter list and remove ineligible voters. This exercise is crucial in ensuring the accuracy and integrity of the electoral process.

Approximately 77,895 Booth Level Officers (BLOs) are visiting households to collect filled-up enumeration forms. Pre-filled forms have been distributed to 7.69 crore electors, covering 97.42% of the state’s voters. Voters are required to submit at least one of 11 specified documents for verification, excluding Aadhaar.

However, the Election Commission has relaxed the documentation process, allowing Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) to make decisions based on local investigations if necessary documents are unavailable.

The draft electoral roll will be published on August 1, 2025, and will contain the names of existing voters whose enumeration forms have been received. The final electoral roll is expected to be published by September 30.

SIR challenged in Supreme Court

The SIR has been challenged in the Supreme Court by several opposition parties and activists, who claim that the process could lead to the exclusion of legitimate voters. The court has agreed to hear the matter but refused to impose an interim stay on the exercise.

The Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in Bihar is a critical process that aims to ensure the accuracy and integrity of the electoral process. While there are concerns and controversies surrounding the exercise, the Election Commission claims that the process is progressing smoothly and that all measures are being taken to facilitate existing voters.