A resolution opposing the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls was passed in the Jharkhand assembly on Tuesday. The resolution was introduced by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Radhakrishna Kishore, who alleged that the SIR was an attempt to weaken parliamentary democracy and disenfranchise the poor and downtrodden, and was designed to directly benefit the central ruling party.
"Given the sentiments of the House and after consultation with the leader of the House, Chief Minister Hemant Soren, I move a resolution on behalf of the INDIA bloc to oppose the SIR of electoral rolls by the Election Commission," Kishore said.
However, the Leader of the Opposition, Babulal Marandi, stated that the Bharatiya Janata Party would oppose the resolution, calling it a "conspiracy to enrol Bangladeshi infiltrators and Rohingyas as voters."
Congress legislature party leader Pradeep Yadav then urged Speaker Rabindra Nath Mahato to put the resolution to a vote. Mahato replied, "The resolution stands automatically passed as the ruling coalition has a majority in the House."
The assembly saw chaotic scenes throughout the day, with MLAs from both sides storming the Well of the House to protest. The House was first adjourned at 12 pm and then again at 2 pm, owing to the disruptions.
Shouting cries of “Vote Chor, Gaddi Chhod (Vote Thief, Leave the Chair)”, the legislators staged a noisy protest, forcing Speaker Rabindra Nath Mahato to adjourn the House.
Also read: Congress protest disrupts Jharkhand Assembly
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