The political heat in Parliament intensified as Congress MPs launched a symbolic protest against the Bihar State Investment Region (SIR) project. In a unique form of dissent, they wore T-shirts emblazoned with the face of Minta Devi, a woman from Bihar who, according to official electoral rolls, is 124 years old.

The unusual choice of protest attire quickly caught public attention. Minta Devi, hailing from Bihar, has become an unexpected political symbol, as her image was used to represent concerns about governance, record-keeping, and people’s rights in the state. While the protest was aimed directly at the Bihar SIR initiative, MPs also took the opportunity to highlight broader political and administrative issues in Bihar.

The Bihar State Investment Region project, according to the government, is aimed at attracting large-scale investments in infrastructure, manufacturing, and allied industries. However, opposition leaders argue that the project may lead to land acquisition without fair compensation, disrupt local livelihoods, and fail to benefit rural communities.

Congress leaders claimed the symbol of “India’s oldest voter” was chosen to underline the disconnect between government planning and grassroots realities. They allege that while Bihar struggles with development gaps, unemployment, and poor infrastructure, the state’s priorities have been misaligned toward mega-projects that could harm vulnerable populations.

Political analysts note that the use of Minta Devi’s face in the protest is a calculated move, combining emotional appeal with a critique of government records. In India, voter rolls have often faced scrutiny over inaccuracies, and the presence of a 124-year-old on the list adds a layer of irony to the opposition’s argument.

The protest took place amid a charged parliamentary atmosphere, with slogans and placards demanding greater transparency and public consultation before implementing such large-scale projects. Opposition MPs said they will continue to raise the issue both inside and outside Parliament until the Bihar SIR plans are revisited.

While the government has yet to issue a direct response to the specific protest, supporters of the SIR project argue that it is essential for Bihar’s economic transformation and could bring billions in investments and create thousands of jobs.

The incident also sparked widespread discussion on social media, with images of Congress MPs in the protest T-shirts going viral. Some users praised the creativity of the protest, while others questioned whether it trivialised serious policy debates.

As the Bihar SIR controversy continues to unfold, Minta Devi — who has likely never sought the political spotlight — has unexpectedly become the face of a growing movement questioning the direction of development in Bihar. Whether this symbolic protest will influence policy decisions remains to be seen, but it has undoubtedly added a colourful and human touch to what is otherwise a technical economic debate.

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