Major opposition parties in Bihar, including the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Congress, and Left parties, launched an aggressive protest outside the Vidhan Sabha on Monday, accusing the ruling government of orchestrating electoral fraud using the State Intelligent Reporting (SIR) system.
🪧 Slogans, Placards, and Blockades Outside Assembly Steps
The protest began early on July 21 as opposition leaders gathered on the steps of the Bihar Legislative Assembly, carrying placards and chanting slogans like “Chunav Mein Dhandhli Band Karo” (Stop Election Fraud). Security personnel struggled to control the escalating scene as entry routes were obstructed.
🚪 Backdoor Opened to Allow Legislators Inside
Due to the heavy blockade by opposition MLAs and supporters, assembly security was forced to open a backdoor to allow the entry of ruling party legislators and administrative staff. This unprecedented move further escalated tensions between the two sides during the second day of the monsoon session.
🗣️ Leaders Demand Investigation into SIR Use
Opposition parties demanded an immediate probe into the alleged misuse of the SIR system, claiming it was used to manipulate voting data and suppress opposition votes in recent municipal and panchayat elections. They also called for a halt in its use until an independent audit is conducted.
🏛️ Speaker Calls for Order Amid Ruckus
Inside the assembly, proceedings were repeatedly disrupted as opposition MLAs continued their protest by raising slogans and holding placards. Speaker Awadh Bihari Chaudhary appealed for order and tried to proceed with scheduled business, but the din inside the house stalled most legislative activity.
📢 Tejashwi Yadav, Congress State Head Speak Out
Tejashwi Yadav, senior RJD leader, accused the government of using technology to bypass democratic norms. “This is not governance; this is a digital dictatorship,” he told reporters outside the assembly. Congress state president Akhilesh Prasad Singh called it a blatant attack on voter rights and constitutional order.
👮♂️ Security Tightened Around Assembly Premises
Following the protest, security was heightened around the Vidhan Sabha complex with barricades placed and personnel stationed at all entry points. Patna city police confirmed additional forces were deployed to prevent any untoward incident as protests are expected to continue throughout the session.
🔍 What is SIR and Why It’s Controversial?
The State Intelligent Reporting (SIR) system is reportedly being used to monitor real-time voter data and booth trends. Opposition parties allege this system has been misused to manipulate polling outcomes, especially in rural and semi-urban areas. The state government has so far declined to issue a formal clarification.
🗓️ Protests Likely to Intensify in Coming Days
With opposition parties showing no signs of relenting, the remaining days of the Bihar monsoon session 2025 are likely to witness further disruptions. Sources say opposition MLAs may stage an indefinite dharna if their demand for an investigation is not met.
