Govt open to SIR debate

The Opposition mounted a fierce protest in both Houses of Parliament on the opening day of the Winter Session on Monday, targeting the government over the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

- Gaurav Vivek Bhatnagar

The issue triggered repeated disruptions in the Lok Sabha, leading to multiple adjournments, while in the Rajya Sabha, Opposition MPs staged a walkout after newly appointed Chairman C.P. Radhakrishnan rejected their demand for an immediate discussion.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju told the Upper House that the government was not averse to holding a debate on SIR or broader electoral reforms, but urged the Opposition not to insist on setting a timeline. His assurance did little to pacify the Opposition, which had come prepared for a confrontation.