Parliament Faces Uproar Over Electoral Roll Revision Debate
The winter session of Parliament was met with immediate disruption on Monday as opposition MPs protested against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The session, scheduled to conclude on December 19, is expected to be dominated by debates surrounding the SIR issue.
Opposition's Stance on SIR
Prior to the session, opposition parties signaled their intent to forcefully raise the SIR issue, warning the government of potential disruptions. Key concerns revolve around the methodology and potential impact of the revision process.
Key Quotes from Political Figures
Here's a summary of what various political figures said regarding the SIR issue:
- Kiren Rijiju (Parliamentary Affairs Minister): "Opposition demand for discussion on SIR is under govt's consideration... The govt is not averse to take up discussion on anything, including SIR, electoral reforms; give some time to respond."
- Chirag Paswan (Union Minister and LJP MP): "Over a singular issue of SIR, the opposition will wash out an entire session of the Parliament. Such things affect first-time MPs... The Prime Minister's concern is legitimate because we have just these 5 years to work for my people and country."
- Sanjay Jha (JD(U) MP): "The last session was also washed out over the issue of SIR... The Election Commission had asked all parties to file their complaints in case there are any discrepancies in the process, but not one party filed any complaint."
- Jagdambika Pal (BJP MP): "If they (opposition) create a ruckus in the House and gather in the well, then they don't want a discussion on the SIR, they want to stall proceedings."
- Priyanka Gandhi Vadra (Congress MP): "Election situation, SIR, and pollution are huge issues. Let us discuss them. What is the Parliament for? It's not drama."
- Saugata Roy (TMC MP): "Opposition will stand by their principles. There are key issues such as SIR and the terrorist attack in Delhi, which the opposition will consistently raise."
- Abhishek Banerjee (TMC MP): "What opposition is asking is a debate on SIR. Is it drama? If raising peopleโs voices is drama, then people will give them a reply in the next election... Where is accountability from the government? We are not against SIR, but we are against the method and way it is being executed."
- Akhilesh Yadav (Samajwadi Party MP): "The worry over SIR is becoming real today. If a vote is cut, then how will a person fulfill his/her dream...This ongoing SIR is not for strengthening democracy but cutting votes."
- Kanimozhi (DMK MP): "The opposition wants a discussion about the SIR, about the electoral process of the country, and protecting the democracy."
Concerns Regarding SIR Implementation
Several opposition leaders voiced concerns about the implementation of SIR, suggesting it could lead to voter disenfranchisement and undermine the democratic process. They are calling for a thorough discussion and accountability from the government and the Election Commission of India.
