National/ Politics Desk
3 December
Sandeep Dhand Ludhiana ( Journalist )
The Indian Parliament is preparing for two important discussions next week, as announced by Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju. He shared that the Lok Sabha will hold a special debate on election reforms next Tuesday. A day earlier, the House will discuss the national song Vande Mataram as part of its 150th anniversary observance. Both discussions have been allotted 10 hours each, giving members enough time to share their views.
The demand for a debate on Special Investigation of Voter Lists (SIR) has been growing from opposition parties. With the new schedule announced, the government now hopes that this step will help reduce the ongoing tension between the ruling and opposition benches.
This decision was made after the Business Advisory Committee meeting, chaired by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, followed by an all-party meeting. Kiren Rijiju posted on ‘X’ that the all-party meeting agreed to hold the Vande Mataram debate on December 8 at 12 PM, and the discussion on election reforms on December 9 at the same time.
Earlier today, both Houses—Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha—witnessed noisy scenes during the second day of the Winter Session. The opposition continued its strong protest, demanding an immediate debate on SIR. Though the government said it is ready for a discussion, it did not give a fixed time, which angered the opposition.
In the Lok Sabha, the House had to be adjourned twice due to disruptions. When it met again at 2 PM, opposition parties raised slogans, forcing the Speaker to adjourn proceedings for the entire day. Rijiju attacked the Congress, saying the party is losing the trust of the people.
In the Rajya Sabha, opposition members staged a walkout after their demand for an SIR debate was not accepted. Leaders from the Congress, TMC, DMK, AAP, SP, and CPM had even met Rijiju and requested him to announce a fixed time for the debate on election reforms.
Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge said that several parties have sought a discussion under Rule 267, requesting priority for the SIR issue over other parliamentary business.