Govt, opposition reach truce in Lok Sabha

New Delhi, Dec 2: An agreement has been reached between the government and the opposition to ensure the Lok Sabha functions “smoothly,” after the Centre conceded to the opposition’s demand for a discussion on the ongoing special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

The Times of India reported that following two days of repeated disruptions, Speaker Om Birla convened a meeting of the Business Advisory Committee, where floor leaders agreed to hold a 10-hour debate on electoral reforms on December 9 and 10, reports The Times of India.

According to TOI, Birla also scheduled a discussion on the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram for 12 pm on Monday, while the debate on election reforms will begin at 12 pm on Tuesday. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju announced the decisions on X, stating, “During the All-Party Meeting chaired by Hon’ble Speaker Lok Sabha today, it has been decided to hold discussion in Lok Sabha on the 150th Anniversary of National Song ‘Vande Mataram’ from 12 noon on Monday, 8th December, and discussion on Election Reforms from 12 noon on Tuesday, 9th December.”

Rijiju clarified that the SIR of electoral rolls is an “administrative matter” handled by the Election Commission, and therefore Parliament had agreed to broaden the discussion to larger electoral reforms. He emphasised that wider reform of the Election Commission and election processes falls under Parliament’s purview.

“Since the matter has been settled by coming into an agreement for discussion and the time and date have been finalised, I look forward to a very constructive and engaging discussion,” he said.

The truce follows persistent opposition sloganeering that forced multiple adjournments on Monday, with the House functioning for only about 15 minutes in the morning session. When the House reconvened at noon, it was adjourned again within nine minutes.

Ahead of the agreement, Rijiju had told the Rajya Sabha that the government was willing to discuss electoral reforms, but the opposition “should not insist on a timeline.” Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge countered that members had given notice under Rule 267 specifically on the SIR and that the discussion should begin accordingly. Earlier in the Lok Sabha, before adjournment, General Secretary Utpal Kumar Singh read out a list of bills cleared during the Monsoon Session and forwarded for the President’s assent, including the Manipur (GST) Amendment Bill, 2025; Manipur Appropriations No. 2 Bill, 2025; Taxation Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2025; and the Bills of Lading Bill, 2025.