New Delhi: The opposition’s discontent over the SIR continued for a second day in the Lok Sabha. As soon as the proceedings began at 11 am, slogans of “Vote Chor-Gaddi Chhod” (vote thieves, leave the throne) echoed through the House, and some MPs rushed straight to the well. Speaker Om Birla maintained calm and continued Question Hour, but the opposition’s voice was so loud that after 20 minutes, the House was adjourned until 12 noon.
Meanwhile, the Rajya Sabha witnessed a similar scene: slogans, posters, and demands for an immediate discussion on the SIR. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge stated that protests are necessary to protect democracy. The opposition also gathered in front of the Makar Dwar of the Parliament complex at 10:30 am and reiterated its demand for an immediate discussion on the SIR. Since the first day of the session, the opposition has been continuously protesting against the SIR, vote theft, and electoral transparency.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju had clearly stated in the Rajya Sabha that the government is ready to discuss the SIR and electoral reforms, provided the opposition does not set a timeline. According to sources, the opposition isn’t even insisting that the term SIR should remain. The government can call it Election Reform, Electoral Reform, or whatever other name it chooses. The government appears positive about this suggestion and may present its position before the Business Advisory Committee.
Meanwhile, the government is considering holding a 10-hour special discussion in Parliament to mark the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram. It’s likely that PM Modi may also participate. This proposal came up in the Rajya Sabha’s Business Advisory Committee on September 30th. However, an official announcement has not yet been made.
