The government and Opposition reached a breakthrough to end the Parliamentary stalemate over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) issue. Lok Sabha will now hold debates on the 150th anniversary of ‘Vande Mataram’ on December 8 and electoral reforms on December 9.
A prolonged deadlock in Parliament over the contentious Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise appears set to end after the government and the Opposition struck a crucial compromise on Tuesday. The agreement brings temporary peace after two consecutive days of washed-out proceedings, marked by disruptions, slogans, and sharp verbal exchanges between the treasury benches and the Opposition bloc.
At the centre of the political clash has been the Opposition’s demand for an immediate discussion on the SIR exercise—a large-scale voter verification and revision programme currently underway across 12 states and Union Territories. The Opposition alleges that the programme is being carried out in haste and may disenfranchise thousands belonging to marginalised communities. The government, however, has maintained that concerns will be addressed but only after the Lok Sabha first deliberates on the scheduled commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the national song, Vande Mataram.
Breakthrough Achieved at All-Party Meeting
The breakthrough came during an all-party meeting chaired by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Tuesday. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju later took to X to confirm the new arrangement for the upcoming debates.
“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,” Rijiju posted.
The Opposition, which had been steadfast in its demand for an urgent discussion on SIR, eventually agreed to the proposed schedule following a series of negotiations. The treasury benches, in return, assured the Opposition that the debate on electoral reforms on December 9 would allow extensive discussion on concerns surrounding SIR.
Two Major Debates Scheduled for December 8 and 9
As per the consensus, the Lok Sabha will allocate two days to two nationally significant issues:
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December 8 – A special 10-hour debate on the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram. The duration may be extended further with the consent of the House.
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December 9 – A full-fledged debate dedicated to electoral reforms, under which SIR-related concerns are expected to be raised in detail.
The structured schedule marks a significant step forward after the Winter Session opened with chaos. Both Houses of Parliament have witnessed repeated adjournments over the Opposition’s objection to the SIR exercise, which they say was rushed without adequate consultation.
Dramatic Scenes Inside Parliament Earlier in the Day
The Lok Sabha session earlier on Tuesday was marred by uproar as Opposition members stormed the well of the House with placards, demanding an immediate discussion on SIR. Several MPs accused the government of trying to “delay accountability” by prioritising the Vande Mataram commemoration.
Meanwhile, in the Rajya Sabha, the Opposition submitted a notice under Rule 267 seeking a special discussion on the voter revision drive. The notice, rarely admitted, reflects the seriousness of the issue among the Opposition parties.
Responding to the growing tensions, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju urged floor leaders to show flexibility and refrain from sticking rigidly to proposed timelines. He reiterated that the government was open to a comprehensive discussion and that a consensus could emerge during the all-party consultation—a prediction that eventually came true.
Concerns Over SIR to Dominate the December 9 Debate
With the schedule now approved, the December 9 debate on electoral reforms is expected to witness heated but structured exchanges. Members of the Opposition have indicated that they plan to raise questions over:
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the speed of the SIR process,
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alleged irregularities and lack of transparency,
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fears of voter exclusion in tribal, Dalit, and economically weaker communities, and
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the need for a legally accountable framework for voter verification.
The government is likely to defend SIR as a routine and necessary process aimed at strengthening the electoral roll, reducing duplication, and improving accuracy.
Stalemate Ends, But Political Fireworks Expected
While the agreement brings relief to parliamentary functioning, it also sets the stage for intense political confrontation over the coming days. Analysts say the debates will provide both sides an opportunity to consolidate political narratives ahead of the upcoming electoral cycle.
| Also Read: EC Reports 99% Enumeration Form Distribution in SIR Phase |
For now, the end of the stalemate ensures that parliamentary business can resume after two days of disruption—a crucial development in a session packed with legislative priorities.
