Lok Sabha to Debate Electoral Reforms on December 9 After Opposition Protests, ‘Vande Mataram’ Discussion on December 8

New Delhi | December 2, 2025 The Lok Sabha is set to hold a comprehensive debate on electoral reforms on December 9, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju confirmed on Tuesday, following repeated disruptions by the Opposition demanding a discussion on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The decision was reached after an all-party meeting and the Business Advisory Committee (BAC) chaired by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. Ahead of the electoral reforms debate, the House will discuss the 150th anniversary of India’s national song, ‘Vande Mataram’, on December 8. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will initiate the discussion, which, along with the electoral reforms debate, has been allotted 10 hours each, with the possibility of extension if required. Speaking to reporters after the BAC meeting, Rijiju explained that the debate on electoral reforms would cover a wide range of issues related to elections and their processes in India. He appealed to all members, particularly Opposition parties, to cooperate fully and contribute substantively to the proceedings. “Finally, everybody has agreed for the discussion and my special appeal to all members, especially the Opposition, is to cooperate fully and enrich the Parliamentary proceedings,” he said. The scheduling comes after repeated deadlocks in the House over the Opposition’s demand to debate the ongoing SIR exercise. Earlier in the day, Rijiju met floor leaders from various political parties but declined to provide a specific timeline for the discussion on electoral reforms, asserting that administrative matters like SIR fall under the Election Commission’s jurisdiction and not the government’s. Congress chief whip K Suresh explained that the Opposition’s concerns regarding the SIR exercise were incorporated under the broader debate on electoral reforms. He said, “On Monday, the House will take up the debate on Vande Mataram, and then on Tuesday and Wednesday, the House will debate electoral reforms, with the SIR discussion included.” The decision was aimed at resolving the standoff that had led to consecutive adjournments of the Lok Sabha. The Opposition has insisted that the government provide assurances regarding the discussion on SIR, which is currently underway in 12 states and Union Territories. The BAC meeting and the consultations by Speaker Om Birla with party leaders sought to break the deadlock and ensure orderly functioning of the House. By allocating fixed hours for both discussions and integrating the SIR concerns into the broader electoral reforms debate, the government aims to address Opposition demands while maintaining procedural control. As the Lok Sabha prepares to take up these debates, attention is focused on the contributions members will make on electoral reforms and the historical significance of ‘Vande Mataram’, reflecting the intersection of governance, law, and cultural heritage in Parliament proceedings. The coming sessions are expected to see active participation from all sides, aiming to strengthen the legislative discourse on India’s election processes and national legacy. Lok Sabha to Debate Electoral Reforms on December 9 After Opposition Protests, ‘Vande Mataram’ Discussion on December 8 The Lok Sabha will hold a debate on electoral reforms on December 9, following repeated disruptions by the Opposition over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju confirmed the schedule after an all-party meeting and the Business Advisory Committee chaired by Speaker Om Birla. Before the electoral reforms discussion, the House will take up the 150th anniversary of India’s national song, ‘Vande Mataram’, on December 8. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will initiate the discussion. Both debates have been allotted 10 hours each, with extensions possible if the House decides. Rijiju explained that the electoral reforms debate would cover broader election-related issues, while concerns about SIR will be addressed within this discussion. He urged all members, especially the Opposition, to cooperate and contribute substantively to the proceedings. Congress chief whip K Suresh confirmed that the Opposition’s demand to discuss SIR would be included under the broader reforms debate. The schedule comes after consecutive adjournments of the House due to protests over SIR, currently underway in 12 states and Union Territories. Rijiju clarified that SIR is an administrative matter of the Election Commission, not the government, but the government is facilitating discussion under electoral reforms to ensure dialogue and smooth functioning. The upcoming sessions are expected to see active participation, balancing procedural governance, electoral policy, and national heritage discussions.