SIR set to eclipse Winter Session in Parliament showdown today

Government reaches out for smooth session

- MPOST BUREAU

The controversial Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls is sure to cast its shadow on the Winter Session of Parliament which begins today as several parties appeared determined against it with the threat looming large in the background of stalling proceedings in both houses if a discussion is not allowed on it.

At an all-party meeting convened by the government on Sunday to seek the Opposition's support for smooth functioning of Parliament, several parties raised the demand for a discussion on SIR of electoral rolls together with issues of national security in the wake of the Delhi blast and worsening air pollution in the national capital.

Issues like foreign policy, price rise, unemployment, new labour codes and federalism amid charges that governors sitting on Bills passed by state legislatures and funds of Opposition-ruled states being held up were also raised and would come up during the session beginning December 1.

The government, while seeking the Opposition's support, said it would continue to engage with all parties to ensure smooth functioning of the session.

At the Business Advisory Committee (BAC) meetings of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha respectively, the Opposition kept up its demand for a discussion on the larger issue of electoral reforms and not specifically on SIR. The government assured the opposition that it will convey its views on it soon.

The government also pushed for a discussion on Vande Mataram, our national song, and 150th anniversary of its composition, but several opposition parties, the TMC not one of them, were not enthusiastic about it.