Centre and Opposition to Hold Election Reform Talks Next Week After Reaching SIR Truce

Amid persistent opposition protests over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls being conducted across 12 states during the Winter Session of Parliament, the Narendra Modi-led government on Tuesday made it clear that it is not inclined to hold a debate specifically on SIR, according to sources quoted by India Today TV. However, government sources indicated that the Centre is open to a broader discussion on election-related reforms on December 9.

“There is no question of discussing SIR. We will continue with our legislative business even if the Opposition keeps protesting,” government sources told India Today TV.

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju took to X to announce that a special discussion marking the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram will take place in the Lok Sabha on Monday. This will be followed by an extensive debate on election reforms starting at 12 noon on Tuesday.

According to sources, the government had proposed prioritising the discussion on the 150 years of Vande Mataram, arguing that the anniversary falls on November 7, making it appropriate to take up the matter first. The Opposition, however, insisted that the debate on electoral reforms and the ongoing controversy around SIR should be taken up ahead of the commemorative discussion.

The first two days of the Winter Session witnessed near-complete washouts in both Houses as Opposition parties demanded an immediate discussion on the SIR exercise and highlighted the reported deaths of several Block Level Officers (BLOs) during duty.

On Day 2, Opposition MPs in the Rajya Sabha renewed their demand for an urgent debate on the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. Heated exchanges followed, resulting in repeated disruptions and adjournments.

Responding to the uproar, Rijiju assured that he would hold consultations with leaders of various political parties to chart a constructive way forward. As several Opposition members entered the well of the House raising slogans, the government maintained that procedural order and structured discussions must precede any agreement on timelines.

“Yesterday, I said, please do not impose timeline conditions on anything,” Rijiju reiterated. Stressing the importance of orderly parliamentary functioning, he said that prioritising one matter at the cost of others would be counterproductive. “There are many issues in the country. You should not undermine one issue to take up another. All issues are important,” he added.

His remarks came even as Opposition leaders continued demonstrations demanding an immediate debate on SIR. Rijiju also criticised the Opposition for its aggressive approach, stating, “You cannot win elections, people don’t trust you, and you take out your anger in the House. This is incorrect.” He emphasised that the government was willing to talk but insisted on formal meetings before finalising a discussion schedule. “It is not right to make demands on time,” he said, as reported by PTI.

congress president Mallikarjun Kharge expressed deep concern over the impact of the SIR exercise on officials. He claimed that 28 BLOs had died due to excessive workload and demanded immediate parliamentary attention on humanitarian and democratic grounds.

“This is an urgent matter,” Kharge stated, urging Rajya Sabha Chairman CP Radhakrishnan to allow an immediate discussion. “In the interest of democracy, citizens, and the country, you should permit the debate on SIR. We will cooperate fully,” he asserted.

Earlier in the day, the Rajya Sabha witnessed disruptions as Opposition MPs shouted slogans the moment official papers were placed on the table. Chairman Radhakrishnan intervened, instructing some members to return to their seats after they moved towards the well of the House.