Stormy Start to Bihar Assembly's Final Session as Opposition Slams Voter List Revision, Crime Surge

The Monsoon session of the Bihar Legislative Assembly opened to high drama on Monday, with opposition parties unleashing fierce protests both inside and outside the House. The uproar centered around two key issues: the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral roll and the deteriorating law and order situation in the state.

The five-day session, expected to be the last before Bihar heads into Assembly elections later this year, began with customary condolences for departed legislators. However, proceedings quickly spiraled into chaos, forcing an early adjournment until Tuesday at 11 a.m.

Opposition MLAs protest during the opening day of Bihar Assembly's Monsoon Session, demanding answers on voter list revision and rising crime rates

Opposition legislators—mainly from the RJD, Congress, and the Left parties—accused the ruling NDA government of manipulating the voter list revision to remove names of marginalized and minority voters. Members of the CPI(ML) wore black attire and arm bands, staging a symbolic protest while holding placards and chanting slogans.

“This SIR process is being misused to erase genuine voters in a bid to help the ruling alliance. We will oppose this from the streets to the Assembly,” said CPI(ML) leader Mehboob Alam, speaking to reporters.

The anger also stemmed from a recent surge in violent crimes, especially in the state capital, which opposition leaders say reflects total administrative failure. “The law and order situation is in free fall. Criminals are roaming free, and the government is silent,” said Rajesh Kumar, State Congress President.

Inside the House, opposition legislators stormed the well of the Assembly, interrupting Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary as he tabled the supplementary budget for 2025-26. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar remained present but silent during the commotion.

Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav, after meeting with Mahagathbandhan allies, met the Speaker to demand an urgent debate on what he called a “conspiracy to disenfranchise poor and backward voters.” He warned that ignoring such a serious issue could have dangerous political consequences.

Apart from the budget and voter list row, the government has lined up multiple bills for this short session. Key among them is the Karpoori Thakur Skill University Bill, part of a broader job creation promise. Other bills include legislation on worker protections in private establishments, regulation of gig economy jobs, municipal reforms, and amendments to GST and land survey procedures.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Vijay Kumar Choudhary stated that the government is ready to respond to every question—if the House is allowed to function.

With just a few sittings left, the tone has already been set for a heated final session as Bihar gears up for what is likely to be one of its most closely watched elections in recent history.