Opposition Seeks Debate on SIR, National Security Ahead of Winter Session
All-party meeting sees sharp criticism as Opposition warns of disruption if key discussions are denied.
New Delhi (PTI): A day before the Winter Session of Parliament, the Opposition on Sunday demanded a full debate on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and raised concerns over national security following the recent blast in Delhi. They warned that the functioning of both Houses could be affected if these issues are not taken up.
At the all-party meeting convened by the government, several Opposition leaders accused the Centre of trying to weaken democratic processes and sideline parliamentary traditions.
Congress general secretary (communications) Jairam Ramesh said the meeting had become a mere formality and criticised the government for deciding the session agenda without consulting the Opposition. He pointed out that the upcoming 15-day session is among the shortest in history and includes 13 bills for passage—10 of which have not been examined by the relevant parliamentary committees.
Ramesh also suggested that the government might introduce additional bills later in the session, calling the approach non-transparent.
Briefing the media, Congress deputy leader in the Lok Sabha Gaurav Gogoi accused the government of attempting to “finish off” democracy and evade accountability. He said the Congress had demanded discussions on national security, air pollution, voter list integrity, farmers’ concerns and foreign policy.
Gogoi said the party specifically asked for a debate on national security in light of the Delhi blast but alleged that the government was unwilling to allow it. He also expressed concern over the neutrality of the Election Commission and the ongoing SIR process, stressing the need to protect the “purity” of the voter list.
The Samajwadi Party (SP) echoed this demand. SP leader Ram Gopal Yadav said the party would not allow Parliament to function if the SIR issue was ignored, stressing that the government “cannot run away” from discussing a process being carried out by the Election Commission.
The Trinamool Congress (TMC) also criticised the government for blocking previous demands for debate. TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee questioned the value of parliamentary procedure if issues raised by Opposition parties are not permitted for discussion. He also flagged the deaths of several booth-level officers during the SIR process and cautioned against misuse of the revision exercise to delete voters’ names.
Banerjee reiterated the need for a detailed discussion on national security and criticised the government’s stance on infiltration, calling it “drama.” He said the TMC hopes “good sense will prevail” and did not explicitly commit to stalling Parliament.
DMK MP Tiruchi Siva said SIR remains a common concern among all Opposition parties, while CPI MP P Sandosh Kumar also sought debates on national security, alleged irregularities in SIR and rising air pollution.
With the Winter Session set to begin on Monday, the government faces united pressure from Opposition parties demanding accountability and space for debate on key national issues.
