Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Dec 3: Following persistent protests by opposition parties demanding a debate on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, the Central Government on Tuesday agreed to hold a discussion on the matter in the Lok Sabha on December 9.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju announced the decision after an all-party meeting and the Business Advisory Committee meeting. He also informed that the Lok Sabha will hold a discussion on the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram on December 8.
“When we discuss electoral reforms, several issues concerning elections and their processes can be taken up. For a parliamentary democracy, ensuring a transparent election process is crucial. Everyone has now agreed to the debate and I appeal to all members, especially opposition parties, to cooperate,” Rijiju told reporters.
The minister said that after both discussions are completed in the Lok Sabha, the government will move to take them up in the Rajya Sabha. He clarified that since SIR was an administrative matter of the Election Commission, Parliament had broadened the scope of the discussion to include overall electoral reforms.
Optimistic about cooperation, Rijiju expressed hope for a “constructive and engaging discussion”.
Earlier in the day, the Lok Sabha witnessed two adjournments amid loud sloganeering by opposition MPs who demanded an immediate debate on voter list revisions underway in 12 states and Union Territories. The House could function for only half an hour before being adjourned for the day.
Before adjournment, Lok Sabha Secretary General Utpal Kumar Singh read out the list of Bills passed during the monsoon session being forwarded for the President’s assent.
In the Rajya Sabha too, opposition members raised slogans and later staged a walkout. Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge urged that priority be given to the SIR issue. However, the government declined to commit to a fixed timeline.
“There should not be any mechanical timeline. Many issues need Parliament’s attention and one should not be undermined to take up another,” Rijiju said.
The Upper House was adjourned twice following heated exchanges, with the Opposition insisting on taking up the SIR debate before any other business. Trinamool MP Derek O’Brien said over 14 parties demanded the discussion, claiming that “people were dying because of it.” With no consensus reached, the Rajya Sabha was finally adjourned for the day.