"BJP does not want anyone to cast votes": Samajwadi Party MP Akhilesh Yadav slams BJP over SIR exercise in Bihar

Speaking to reporters outside the Parliament, he alleged that the BJP does not want people to cast their votes.

Akhilesh Yadav said, "The BJP does not want anyone to cast their votes. In Bihar, similarly, in Uttar Pradesh, the BJP, in collusion with the Election Commission of India and the administration, has cut votes in large numbers."

He further alleged malpractice by the BJP workers in issuing the Voter IDs and Aadhaar cards.

"I don't know, which machine do the people of the BJP keep on the booths that they provide, voter ID and Aadhaar cards in 5 minutes. The government should look into it," he said.

The Opposition is flagging the Bihar SIR during the ongoing Monsoon Session of the Parliament.

Earlier today, Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi moved an adjournment motion notice in Lok Sabha to discuss the special intensive revision (SIR) being carried out in Bihar ahead of the upcoming assembly elections, demanding reconsideration of the electoral roll revision criteria.

Meanwhile, seeking Prime Minister Narendra Modi's presence in the Parliament to discuss the Pahalgam terror attack, Akhilesh Yadav said, "We are ready for discussion, but why should we give a statement if the Prime Minister is not present (in the Parliament). There have been intelligence failures many times, during Pulwama (attack), Pahalgam (attack).

Referring to the 2001 Parliament attack, he added, "If you look at the history of the BJP governments, shots were fired here only, where we all are standing."

As Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar resigned citing health reasons, Akhilesh called it his personal decision.

"We have received information that the Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar has resigned due to health reasons. It is his personal decision," he said. (ANI)