Opposition Demands SIR Discussion in Parliament's Monsoon Session; Government Focuses on Sports Bills. Proposal to Extend President's Rule in Manipur to be Presented.
Monsoon Session 2025: The Parliament's Monsoon Session appears headed for disruption. The opposition is united in demanding a discussion on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voter list, while the government is focused on passing bills related to sports administration reform. A proposal to extend President's Rule in Manipur is also listed in the Rajya Sabha. Meanwhile, the rhetoric between the Election Commission and the opposition has intensified. Amid the ongoing deadlock over SIR, Parliament is likely to witness further disruptions today.
Stalemate Likely to Continue in Parliament Today
The conflict between the opposition and the government is continuously escalating in the current Monsoon Session of Parliament. The opposition is demanding a discussion on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voter list, which is underway in several states, including Bihar. The opposition alleges that this process is politically motivated and is being used to remove their supporting voters from the list.
The government, on the other hand, is refusing to discuss the issue, stating that it is the constitutional right of the Election Commission. Due to this dispute, parliamentary proceedings are being repeatedly adjourned.
Government Focuses on Sports Administration Bill
Despite the opposition's protests, the government plans to pass the National Sports Administration Bill in the Lok Sabha. The objective of this bill is to ensure transparency and accountability in the functioning of sports federations. The government believes that this bill is an important step towards reforming the Indian sports sector. The bill proposes to strengthen the monitoring mechanism along with the autonomy of sports bodies.
Discussion on Manipur in Rajya Sabha
The Rajya Sabha's agenda includes a proposal to extend President's Rule in Manipur for another six months, starting from August 13. Home Minister Amit Shah will present this proposal. This step is said to be necessary in view of the ongoing unrest and law and order situation in Manipur.
Parliamentary Proceedings Disrupted for Two Weeks
The Monsoon Session, which began on July 21, has been severely affected so far. No major discussion or bill has been passed, except for the Pahalgam terrorist attack and Operation Sindoor. The opposition is continuously protesting in both houses of Parliament, demanding a discussion on SIR.
The opposition alliance INDIA has shown solidarity against SIR. Leaders of the alliance say that this exercise by the Election Commission is a strategy to influence the voter base in favor of the BJP.
Rahul Gandhi Accuses of Vote Theft
Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, has made serious allegations against the Election Commission. He said that the Election Commission is involved in 'vote theft' and fairness is being undermined through SIR.
In response, the Election Commission has termed Rahul Gandhi's allegations as "completely baseless, unsubstantiated and misleading." The Commission has also clarified that this process is being done only to retain eligible voters in the list.
Election Commission's Clarification on SIR
The Election Commission says that SIR is not a new process. Earlier also, such intensive revision processes have been conducted from time to time in the states. The Commission also says that the purpose of SIR is only to remove fake and ineligible voters, so that the transparency of the democratic system is maintained.
Election Commission's Functioning Cannot be Debated in Parliament: Rijiju
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju has said that the Election Commission is a constitutional body and its jurisdiction cannot be debated in Parliament. Citing a ruling by former Lok Sabha Speaker Balram Jakhar, he said that such a debate cannot be allowed. SIR is not being done for the first time. The Election Commission regularly carries out this process within its jurisdiction. Taking a decision on the opposition's demand is the subject of the Speaker of the Lok Sabha and the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
Other Bills Pending in Parliament
Apart from the Sports Administration Bill, the National Anti-Doping Amendment Bill has also been listed for consideration in the Lok Sabha. This bill has been brought with the aim of controlling doping in sports in India and implementing a strict monitoring system. The government says that if the ongoing deadlock in Parliament continues like this, it will try to get its key bills passed without discussion.
