Modi govt unlikely to discuss SIR; wants to push key Bills in Parliament

New Delhi: The government is likely to push for the passage of a key sports bill in the Lok Sabha on Monday, even as the continuing deadlock in Parliament shows no signs of resolution. The deadlock stems from the Opposition's united demand for a discussion on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar, which has failed to draw a positive response from the ruling alliance.

The Lower House has listed the National Sports Governance Bill, which envisages greater transparency in the functioning of sports bodies, for consideration and passage.

Meanwhile, the Rajya Sabha has listed for passage a resolution from Home Minister Amit Shah on the extension of the President's rule in Manipur by another six months, effective from August 13.

SIR dispute leads to stalemate

Except for a two-day discussion on the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor in both the Houses, parliamentary proceedings have been virtually paralysed since the Monsoon session began on July 21. The deadlock was triggered by vociferous protests from opposition parties over the SIR of electoral rolls in Bihar.

The INDIA bloc, which in previous sessions had often spoken in different voices, has presented a united front over the issue. It alleges that the Election Commission's exercise is aimed at removing voters sympathetic to its agenda and boosting the prospects of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance.

The Election Commission (EC) has defended the revision, stating that it will be rolled out nationally to “protect” the integrity of electoral rolls and ensure that only eligible voters are allowed to cast votes.

Rahul Gandhi’s accusations and EC’s rebuttal

Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, has accused the EC of “vote chori” (stealing votes) and has been fiercely critical of the poll body. In a statement on Saturday, the EC rejected Gandhi’s allegations as “baseless”, “unsubstantiated” and “misleading”.

With the government showing little willingness to allow a discussion on SIR in Parliament, the Opposition has stepped up its protests, leading to repeated adjournments.

Government signals intent to proceed

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju has said that it is for the Chair of the two Houses to decide on the Opposition's demand in accordance with the rules.

However, he also recently cited a ruling by Balram Jakhar, a veteran Congress leader and former Lok Sabha Speaker (1980–1989), that the House cannot debate the functioning of a constitutional body like the EC. This was seen as an indication of the government's disapproval of the Opposition's demand.

A key government functionary said that if disruptions continue to block its agenda in Parliament, then it will push for the passage of its key bills despite the din.

Rijiju had said on Friday that SIR is part of the Election Commission’s mandate.

“This is not the first time the EC is doing it. Whether Parliament can discuss the EC’s administrative work or not is for the Chair to decide in accordance with rules,” he added.

He noted that a minister related to the issue in discussion generally replies to the concerns raised by members, and wondered who could do so in the case of the Election Commission, a constitutionally autonomous body.

“What is not favoured by rules and convention cannot be discussed,” he had said.

Other bills on the agenda

Another bill listed for consideration and passage in the Lok Sabha is the National Anti-Doping (Amendment) Bill.

PTI inputs