Parliament’s winter session on Tuesday was repeatedly disrupted as Opposition members pressed for a standalone debate on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, forcing adjournments in both Houses and prompting floor-leader meetings to defuse the impasse. The Government and Opposition agreed to schedule a debate on Vande Mataram on December 8, followed by a two-day discussion on electoral reforms on December 9 and 10.
Stalemate over SIR stalls proceedings
On the second day of the session, Lok Sabha was adjourned multiple times after Opposition MPs entered the well and raised slogans demanding immediate discussion on SIR. Rajya Sabha proceedings were also repeatedly interrupted and adjourned for the day, with both Houses expected to reconvene the next morning. Opposition leaders described SIR as a matter that threatens free and fair elections; government ministers countered that SIR is an administrative exercise handled by the Election Commission.
What the Opposition wants
The INDIA bloc and Congress MPs sought a dedicated debate on SIR, alleging the special exercise could affect electoral rolls ahead of upcoming state polls. Congress leaders held protests outside the Parliament complex and pressed for urgent consideration of alleged irregularities and rights concerns linked to SIR. Several Opposition MPs told media the protest would continue until their demand for a substantive discussion is accepted.
Government response and scheduled agenda
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju reiterated that the SIR is an administrative function of the Election Commission and argued that matters of electoral reform require wider discussions under parliamentary procedure, not unilateral demands for immediate debate. According to officials, the Business Advisory Committee and floor leaders agreed on an extended slot approximately ten hours for a comprehensive talk on electoral reforms, SIR and booth-level officer (BLO) issues next week.
High-profile reactions and flashpoints
Senior leaders traded sharp words. Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi called the Sanchar Saathi controversy a “snooping app” (raised during the session), while BJP ministers accused the Opposition of theatrics aimed at stalling House business. The differences intensified after social media visuals showed Opposition leaders, including Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, protesting outside Parliament’s Makar Dwar gate with placards.
Floor leaders meet to end deadlock
Speaker Om Birla convened floor leaders to negotiate a path forward after repeated adjournments. Sources said the meeting sought to balance the Opposition’s demand for immediate debate with the Government’s insistence on a structured schedule. The consensus now reflected in the agenda places the Vande Mataram debate on Dec 8 and reserves Dec 9–10 for electoral reforms, including discussion on SIR practices and BLO concerns.
What to expect next
With formal time allotted for the reforms debate, Parliament watchers expect a long, potentially testy two-day discussion. Key issues likely to surface include SIR methodology, voter-list integrity, administrative oversight by the Election Commission, and accountability mechanisms for BLOs. Observers say the session could produce recommendations or notices for legislative fixes, though partisan rows may prolong resolution.
