Parliament in Turmoil: Electoral Reform Debate Sparks Walkout

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju emphasized the government's readiness to discuss electoral reforms in the Rajya Sabha. Opposition parties demanded immediate debate on Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, leading to a walkout. Rijiju urged patience, assuring that discussions were under governmental consideration.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju took a firm stand in the Rajya Sabha on Monday, reiterating that the government is open to discussing electoral reforms, despite opposition demands for an immediate timeline. He urged the Opposition not to push for an instant debate on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

The opposition's insistence on immediate discussion led several members to stage a walkout when their dissatisfaction with Rijiju's response reached its peak. Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge and other leaders called for an urgent start to discussions, with TMC's Derek O'Brien and CPI (M)'s John Brittas strongly supporting the call for debate.

Rijiju clarified that while discussions on SIR and other issues are underway, setting an immediate timeline is impractical. He assured that the government's openness to discussion remains, countering accusations of delay. The Election Commission announced SIR initiatives across multiple states, noting the need for careful deliberation before polls in 2026.