New Delhi: Opposition parties continued their protests in Parliament for the second consecutive day over the SIR issue. As soon as the Lok Sabha convened at 11 AM, opposition MPs began raising slogans, with several members entering the Well of the House. Despite the uproar, the Speaker carried on with Question Hour, while opposition MPs shouted “Vote chor, gaddi chhod” for nearly 20 minutes.
The disruptions forced the House to be adjourned first till 12 PM and then till 2 PM. Meanwhile, similar protests and slogan-shouting were reported in the Rajya Sabha as well. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge said, “Protest is essential to protect democracy.” Earlier in the morning, at 10:30 AM, opposition MPs held a demonstration at the Makar Dwar in the Parliament complex, reiterating their demand for an immediate discussion on SIR.
On the first day of the session (1 December), both Houses witnessed chaos as the opposition raised the issues of SIR and alleged vote theft. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju had stated in the Rajya Sabha that the government was ready for a discussion on SIR and electoral reforms, urging the opposition not to impose any time restrictions.
Sources indicate that the opposition has suggested that if the government does not want to use the term “SIR,” it can list the discussion under “electoral reforms” or any other suitable title. The government is reportedly considering this option and will present its stance in the Business Advisory Committee meeting.