Opposition's Protest Leaves Parliament in Stalemate Over Electoral Roll Debate

Opposition demands a debate on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, leading to repeated adjournments in Parliament. Kiren Rijiju cites a past Lok Sabha Speaker's ruling against discussing Election Commission operations. The Opposition accuses the government of manipulating voters and criticizes the parliament disruption.

The Monsoon Session of India's Parliament has faced significant disruptions due to opposition demands to discuss the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Despite repeated calls, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju referenced a ruling by former Lok Sabha Speaker Balram Jakhar, emphasizing that debating the Election Commission's work in Parliament contradicts established protocol.

Rijiju pointed out that decisions regarding parliamentary discussions rest with the chairs of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, and any potential discussions about Election Commission activities are unprecedented. Meanwhile, accusations from the Opposition suggest the government is influencing the Election Commission to purge voter lists of opposition supporters.

The Opposition, led by figures such as Rahul Gandhi, accuses the Election Commission of committing 'vote chori,' or vote theft. As the debate stalls parliamentary progress, Rijiju criticizes the Opposition for wasting parliamentary resources and inhibiting other members from voicing their concerns, highlighting the financial implications of the disruption.

(With inputs from agencies.)