Opposition Protests Electoral Roll Revision, Raises Voter Disenfranchisement Concerns in Bihar, Delhi

In India, opposition parties led by Rahul Gandhi have staged protests against the Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar ahead of key elections, fearing it could disenfranchise millions of voters, particularly vulnerable groups lacking required documentation. The revision demands strict proof of citizenship such as birth certificates and passports, excluding widely used biometric Aadhaar cards, which critics argue disproportionately affects minorities and the illiterate population in Bihar. Despite opposition claims of electoral manipulation and vote disenfranchisement, the Election Commission maintains that the revision is a routine procedure aimed at removing ineligible and duplicate voters and ensuring electoral integrity. Opposition protests escalated to mass detentions in New Delhi, with around 300 lawmakers from multiple parties attempting to march to the Election Commission's office but being stopped by police. The opposition accuses the Commission of not addressing their concerns adequately and violating Supreme Court directives, while government supporters contend the protests disrupt parliamentary functions and demand evidence for the allegations. The controversy highlights deepening political tensions over election credibility and voter rights in India.