New Delhi [India], December 2 (ANI): An all-party meeting chaired by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Tuesday broke the logjam that had stalled proceedings in the Lower House since the beginning of the winter session. Political parties agreed that the Lok Sabha will function smoothly from Wednesday onwards, following consensus on the schedule for key discussions.
The meeting decided that the Lok Sabha will hold a discussion on the 150th anniversary of the national song ‘Vande Mataram’ from 12 noon on Monday, December 8, and a discussion on election reforms from 12 noon on Tuesday, December 9. The agreement resolved the opposition’s persistent demand for a discussion on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, which had led to multiple adjournments over the past two days.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju confirmed the decisions in a post on X, noting that the consensus would enable the House to function without disruption. He also reiterated the government’s readiness to discuss election reforms, emphasizing that SIR is an administrative matter under the purview of the Election Commission.
Rijiju later said he expected “constructive and engaging” discussions during the session. He added that broader reforms concerning the Election Commission and electoral processes must be debated comprehensively rather than focusing narrowly on administrative issues.
Sources said the Business Advisory Committee (BAC) has allocated 10 hours for the discussion on the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to initiate the debate. Another 10 hours have been set aside for the discussion on election reforms, with Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal expected to reply to the debate on Wednesday.
The winter session, which began on Monday, saw three adjournments on the first day and further disruptions on Tuesday as the Opposition pressed its demand for an immediate discussion on SIR. However, floor leaders agreed on Tuesday evening that the House would run smoothly from Wednesday.
In the Rajya Sabha, Opposition parties staged a walkout demanding an urgent discussion on SIR. The issue had previously dominated the monsoon session, which was largely washed out due to similar demands.
Rijiju also took a swipe at the Opposition following its recent defeat in the Bihar Assembly elections, saying that “taking out anger over this defeat in Parliament is not right.” He urged members to maintain discipline and not compromise House proceedings for the sake of a single issue. (ANI)
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