LS agrees to break debate deadlock

The government and the Opposition on Tuesday agreed to discuss the ongoing SIR (Special Intensive Revision) of electoral rolls in the Lok Sabha next week, preceded by a debate to mark 150 years of "Vande Mataram", signalling a breakthrough after two days of disruptions in Parliament's winter session.

- Saubhadra Chatterji and Smriti Kak Ramachandran

Opposition leaders protest the SIR and alleged 'vote chori' in the Parliament complex on Tuesday.

(AN)

"During the All-Party Meeting Chaired by Hon'ble Speaker Lok Sabha today, it has been decided to hold discussion in Lok Sabha on 150th Anniversary of National Song "Vande Mataram" from 12 Noon on Monday 8th Dec and discussion on Election Reforms from 12 noon on Tuesday 9th Dec," Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju posted on X after the meeting.

At an informal meeting chaired by Rijiju on Tuesday morning, the Opposition had rejected the proposal to debate Vande Mataram before discussing the SIR. Hours later, they accepted the offer.

The Trinamool Congress's Rajya Sabha floor leader Derek O'Brien, after attending Rijiju's meeting, said: "A responsible opposition has done all it takes to get Parliament to function. We have been gracious and accommodating, even though we are up against a government that mocks Parliament. Yes, a discussion on SIR was and is a top priority as people are dying. However, in the spirit of parliamentary democ racy, we accepted the government's proposal about the timing and made a tactical change. We will corner the government in both debates. Bring it on." The Congress's Manickam Tagore claimed victory for the INDIA bloc. "INDIA wins. Arrogance finally bows to the unity of 240 &100 MPs. Discussion on Electoral Reforms scheduled for Dec 9," he said.

The Rajya Sabha floor leaders are expected to finalise a plan to debate the two subjects in the Upper House on Wednesday. However, the Upper House will debate only after the Lok Sabha completes the discussions.