In a significant development aimed at ending the parliamentary deadlock, the government and opposition have reached an agreement to ensure the smooth functioning of the Lok Sabha. The breakthrough came after the government conceded to the opposition's primary demand for a discussion on the ongoing nationwide revision of electoral rolls.
Deal Brokered After Days of Disruption
Following two consecutive days of chaos and repeated adjournments, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla convened a crucial Business Advisory Committee meeting with floor leaders. The meeting yielded a concrete plan to restore order to the House's proceedings.
It was decided that a 10-hour-long discussion on electoral reforms will be held in the Lower House on December 9 and 10. This discussion is set to commence from 12 noon on Tuesday, December 9th.
Schedule Finalized by Speaker
Speaker Om Birla also finalized the schedule for another important discussion. The Lok Sabha will first take up a discussion on the 150th anniversary of the national song 'Vande Mataram' from 12 noon on Monday, December 8th.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju officially announced the decisions taken at the all-party meeting. In a post on social media platform X, Rijiju stated, "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 Dec, and discussion on Election Reforms from 12 noon on Tuesday, 9th Dec."
Impasse Ends After Government Assurance
The agreement marks the end of an impasse that had paralyzed the Lok Sabha. The opposition had been persistently demanding a debate on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists currently underway in 12 states and Union Territories. Their protests, involving sloganeering, had forced multiple adjournments throughout the day.
Earlier, the Lok Sabha had managed only about 15 minutes of legislative business after proceedings began at 11 am. The House was adjourned till 2 pm within just nine minutes of resuming at noon due to the continued uproar.
Rijiju had earlier indicated a resolution was near, stating the government's readiness for a discussion on electoral reforms but urging the opposition not to insist on a specific timeline. In the Rajya Sabha, he reiterated, "Government is ready for discussion on electoral reforms. Opposition should not insist on a timeline."
Responding to him, Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, emphasized that members had given notice under Rule 267 on SIR and insisted the House should start the discussion on that specific issue.
Legislative Business Amidst Turmoil
Before the final adjournment for the day, Lok Sabha General Secretary Utpal Kumar Singh managed to read out a list of bills cleared during the previous Monsoon Session that are to be sent for the President's assent. These bills included:
- The Manipur (GST) Amendment Bill, 2025
- Manipur Appropriations No. 2 Bill, 2025
- Taxation Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2025
- The Bills of Lading Bill, 2025
The newly brokered consensus is expected to bring much-needed normalcy back to Parliament's Winter Session, allowing for substantive debates on critical national issues, including the vital process of electoral roll revision.
