Special Intensive Revision: Political Tension From Delhi to Patna
Special Intensive Revision: August is always a month of political stir in India, but August 2025 seems to be boiling over.
On Delhi’s broad streets, a procession of opposition leaders—Rahul Gandhi, Mamata Banerjee, Akhilesh Yadav, Tejashwi Yadav, Priyanka Chaturvedi, Sitaram Yechury—moved forward, accompanied by chants, banners, and flashing cameras.
The objective was clear — to send a strong and direct message against alleged irregularities in the voter lists.
But the story doesn’t end here. The march is tied to Bihar’s controversial Special Intensive Revision (SIR), AAP’s exit from the I.N.D.I.A alliance, Supreme Court oversight, and the political maneuvers shaping the upcoming electoral season — all forming part of this political struggle.
The Beginning: Political March from Parliament
It was Monday morning, 11 August. Monsoon clouds loomed over Delhi, but on the ground, political heat painted a different picture.
Opposition leaders were marching on foot from the Parliament complex towards the Election Commission. The march was led by Congress’s Rahul Gandhi and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav. Mamata Banerjee and Tejashwi Yadav accompanied for part of the route.
Akhilesh Yadav, in his white kurta-pajama and trademark smile, waved at the media while moving forward. A journalist asked — Akhilesh Ji, what is the purpose of today?
He replied:
We are on the streets to ensure that the voice of the people reaches the Election Commission. What is happening in Bihar is not just a local issue — it is a warning signal for democracy itself.”
Vote Theft vs. Cleaning Drive — The Battle of Narratives
The opposition slogan is clear — Vote theft will not be tolerated.
Rahul Gandhi has openly stated that under the SIR, millions of genuine voters, especially from poor and minority communities, are being removed from the lists.
Akhilesh Yadav directly called it BJP’s electoral manipulation” and asserted:
When people want change, they are being removed from voter lists. This goes against all democratic principles.
On the other hand, the government and ruling party maintain that this is simply a cleaning drive — to remove deceased, duplicate, and fraudulent names, ensuring transparent voting.
Delhi Police Barricade and Detentions
As the march advanced a few hundred meters from Parliament, Delhi Police erected barricades.
The police argued that allowing such a large crowd to approach the Election Commission without prior permission posed a security risk.
Opposition leaders attempted to breach the barricades, leading to the familiar scenario in major protests — temporary detention.
Rahul Gandhi, Akhilesh Yadav, Priyanka Chaturvedi, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, and several MPs were taken onto police buses.
Akhilesh Yadav, with a faint smile, remarked to cameras:
See, when we speak about saving democracy, we are the ones getting arrested.
After a few hours, all leaders were released, but by then, the event had already dominated media coverage live.
Bihar’s SIR Controversy — The Root Cause
The entire uproar is linked to Bihar’s ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) — a comprehensive voter list revision.
The Election Commission states that for the first time since 2003, door-to-door verification is being conducted across the state.
Objective: Remove deceased, duplicate, and migrated voters, and add eligible new voters.
Opposition Objections:
- Strict document requirements (birth certificate, passport, matriculation certificate) — difficult for poor and migrant populations.
- Aadhaar not recognized as valid identification.
- Reports of millions of names missing from the draft list.
- Individuals whose names were removed did not receive notices; no hearing opportunity was provided.
In a Patna press conference, Akhilesh Yadav stated:
Demanding only formal documents to deny votes is a conspiracy. Farmers, laborers, and youth are struggling, but BJP is focused solely on safeguarding its votes.
Election Commission’s Clarification and Supreme Court Oversight
The Election Commission filed an affidavit in the Supreme Court stating:
- No eligible voter will be removed without notice.
- Draft list discrepancies arose due to removal of deceased and duplicate names.
- Every case will be heard, with an open window for objections.
The Supreme Court stated — We will monitor the process — and requested field reports from the Commission.
Government’s Stance — Step Towards Transparency
BJP leaders argued that the opposition is politicizing the matter because acknowledging voter list corrections would be disadvantageous to them.
A senior minister said:
Even if dead or fake names remain, the opposition will claim elections are unfair. When we are implementing reforms, they still oppose… then what do they actually want?
AAP’s Exit and Its Impact on the INDIA Alliance
In July, AAP announced its departure from the I.N.D.I.A alliance.
Reasons:
- Post-2024 Lok Sabha elections, the alliance’s role diminished.
- Differences with Congress leadership.
- Disagreement over seat-sharing.
This raised questions about the opposition’s unity — particularly concerning Bihar, Delhi, and Haryana.
Akhilesh Yadav maintained restraint on the issue but hinted:
Those who wish to walk together are welcome; those choosing their own path are also part of democracy.
Opposition Strategy Inside and Outside Parliament
Even during the Monsoon session, the opposition focused on SIR.
Slogans like Democracy at Risk and “124-Year-Old Voter” echoed.
Rahul Gandhi and Akhilesh Yadav were frequently seen together in media — a visual signal of opposition unity.
Next Steps and Potential Impact
- Legal: Supreme Court oversight will examine the process through a legal lens.
- Political: Opposition will make it a public issue, particularly in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Jharkhand.
- Alliance Math: Post-AAP exit, SP, Congress, and TMC need greater coordination.
Why the Akhilesh Factor Matters
Akhilesh Yadav’s involvement is more than symbolic:
- Political proximity between Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
- Shared influence of SP and RJD among backward classes.
- Akhilesh’s credibility as a champion of farmer and youth issues.
His participation in the Delhi march signals that the 2025 elections are not confined to Bihar but could reshape politics across North India.
Conclusion — The Real Battle is for Public Trust
Special Intensive Revision — voter lists, transparency, and alliance equations are political tools.
But the real question remains — will the public’s vote, their right, be secure?
Rahul Gandhi says — This is a battle to safeguard it.
Akhilesh Yadav says — It is a test of democracy.
The government says — This is a reform initiative.
The Election Commission says — Justice will be ensured for all.
In the 2025 electoral season, this issue has evolved from a mere administrative exercise to a litmus test of India’s democratic framework.
Also Read
