The opposition INDIA alliance has claimed a significant victory after it successfully pressured the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to agree to a discussion on the Special Investigative Report (SIR) in Parliament. This development has averted the likely washout of another parliamentary session, a prospect that was testing the unity of the opposition coalition.
Opposition's Triumph and Underlying Relief
Congress whip Manickam Tagore struck a triumphant note, declaring, "INDIA wins. Arrogance finally bows to the unity of 240 & 100 MPs..." However, beneath this public declaration of victory, there was a palpable sense of relief among opposition MPs. Many were concerned that a prolonged deadlock, even if blamed on government intransigence, would cost them valuable floor time to raise issues concerning their constituents.
The decision to end the protest came after a meeting of opposition representatives on Monday. During the discussions, smaller parties voiced their concerns about the strategy, while at least one major party within the bloc expressed ambivalence about blocking parliamentary proceedings. This internal dynamic led the opposition to limit its protest to two days and reassess the situation on Wednesday.
Regional Parties to Lead the Charge
The upcoming two-day discussion will see regional powerhouses take center stage in attacking the government. Parties like the Samajwadi Party (SP), Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), and Trinamool Congress (TMC), alongside the Congress, are expected to lead the offensive. They aim to corner the government and the Election Commission over the revision of electoral rolls, which they allege is designed to be "exclusionary."
The stakes vary for these regional players. While the DMK, CPI(M), and TMC are in power in their respective states, the Samajwadi Party is in opposition in Uttar Pradesh. Despite performing well and besting the BJP in the recent Lok Sabha polls, the SP is apprehensive that the alleged deletion of voters could specifically target its support base. This puts the spotlight squarely on Akhilesh Yadav, who leads a substantial contingent of 37 MPs and is expected to mount a fierce attack.
Government's Counter and Political Sparks
The debate is set to be fiery, with the BJP and its allies prepared to counter the opposition's allegations. They are likely to cite their recent electoral sweep in Bihar to debunk claims against the SIR. The ruling side is expected to focus its criticism on the "Vote Adhikar Yatra" undertaken by Rahul Gandhi alongside RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav. Observers will be keen to see if the RJD can effectively make its case against the SIR in the post-poll scenario.
Commenting on the resolution of the impasse, RSP MP NK Premachandran said it was a positive step but added that the government could have acted much sooner. "Better late than never," he remarked, summarizing the mixed feelings surrounding the breakthrough that has allowed Parliament to resume its legislative business.
