Will Parliament Engage in a Crucial Debate on SIR Today?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Parliament is set for a crucial debate on SIR today.
- Intense negotiations led to an all-party agreement.
- The Opposition claims SIR disenfranchises marginalized communities.
- Key figures like Amit Shah and Rahul Gandhi will participate.
- Protests have been staged to highlight electoral concerns.
New Delhi, Dec 9 (NationPress) The Parliament is poised for a significant discussion regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and broader electoral reforms today, after a lengthy standstill that hindered legislative activities.
This development follows rigorous discussions between the government and Opposition, resulting in an all-party consensus on Tuesday to present the issue before both Houses.
As per the timetable established during a meeting led by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, the Lok Sabha is scheduled to conduct a comprehensive debate on electoral reforms on December 9, addressing the Opposition’s ongoing request for a formal discussion surrounding the SIR process.
The contention over SIR—an initiative the Opposition argues has disenfranchised marginalized groups—has incited heated debates and disruptions since the Winter Session commenced on December 1.
In the Rajya Sabha, Union Home Minister Amit Shah will open the discussion on SIR on December 9 and 10, with a total of ten hours allocated for the deliberations. Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal is expected to respond to the discussions, while Leader of the House JP Nadda is anticipated to take part as well.
Simultaneously, the Lok Sabha will continue a debate that the Opposition has urged for since the beginning of the session. Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi will lead the Opposition's discourse, with Meghwal slated to reply on Wednesday.
This debate comes after persistent protests by notable Opposition figures, including Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi, and Rahul Gandhi, who have demonstrated both inside and outside Parliament, wielding placards stating “Stop SIR – Stop Vote Chori.”
Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju confirmed the schedule through a post on X, highlighting that the discussions regarding the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram and electoral reforms were solidified during the all-party meeting.