DEBATE ON VANDE MATARAM ON DEC 8 LS to take up electoral reforms debate on December 9 following Centre-Opposition truce on SIR

Amid ongoing Opposition protests over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls across 12 states during the ongoing Winter Session of Parliament, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said the Lok Sabha will take up a debate on the 150th anniversary of National Song "Vande Mataram" on Monday and on electoral reforms on Tuesday.

- SIMONTINI BHATTACHARJEE

The decision was taken after an all-party meeting and a Business Advisory Committee (BAC) chaired by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, signalling that the logjam prevailing in both Houses over the Opposition's demand to discuss the SIR of electoral rolls is likely to be broken.

"During the All Party Meeting Chaired by 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 December and discussion on Election Reforms from 12 noon on Tuesday 9th December," Rijiju said in a post on X.

Later, addressing the media, Rijiju said, "I am happy that the all-party floor leaders' meeting called by the Speaker was very fruitful and we all agreed that there will be a special discussion on the 150th anniversary of National Song Vande Mataram on Monday. The discussion will start at 12 noon and go on for the full day. It was also agreed that on Tuesday, 9th December, there will be a discussion on election reforms."

"When we discuss reforms in elections, you can discuss and talk about many issues related to elections and their process in our country. For a parliamentary democracy, the election process is extremely important. So, finally, every-

body has agreed to the discussion and my special appeal to all the members, especially the opposition parties, is to cooperate fully with the decision taken. We all will take part," he said.

Rijiju said after both the discussions are over, "we will propose to take it up in the Rajya Sabha".