New Delhi, Aug 18 — Both Houses of Parliament were adjourned till 2 pm on Monday as Congress-led Opposition members staged noisy protests against the special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar, accusing the government of “vote theft.”
The Lok Sabha, which met at 11 am, witnessed uproar as Opposition MPs rose to their feet shouting slogans against the exercise. Speaker Om Birla cautioned the members over their conduct, urging them to channel their energy into constructive debate instead. “If you raise questions with the same intensity as you shout slogans, it will benefit the people of the country,” Birla said.
As the ruckus continued, Birla warned lawmakers of strict consequences if they attempted to damage property inside the House. “If you try to destroy government property, I will have to take some decisive actions, and the people of the country will see you,” the Speaker said. He added that such action had been taken against members in many assemblies in the past. “I warn you again — do not try to destroy government property,” he said firmly.
The Lower House was first adjourned till noon amid the unrelenting protests. When it reconvened at 12 pm for the laying of papers, Opposition MPs again disrupted proceedings, prompting Birla to adjourn the session until 2 pm.
The Rajya Sabha also faced similar protests, forcing an adjournment within minutes of assembling in the morning. It too was adjourned till 2 pm.
Officials indicated that further disruptions were likely as Opposition parties continued to demand clarity on the SIR process in Bihar.
