Lok Sabha to Debate Special Intensive Revision and Electoral Reforms

New Delhi, Dec 2025 : The Lok Sabha is set to witness a critical debate on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and broader electoral reforms today, following a prolonged deadlock that disrupted proceedings since the Winter Session began on December 1.

The breakthrough came after intense negotiations between the government and Opposition, resulting in an all-party agreement on Tuesday to bring the issue to the floor of both Houses. The session, chaired by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, finalised a schedule allowing a full debate on electoral reforms on December 9, responding to persistent Opposition demands for a structured discussion on the SIR process.

The SIR exercise has been a point of contention, with the Opposition alleging that it has led to the disenfranchisement of marginalised communities. The issue has sparked repeated disruptions and heated exchanges in Parliament over the past week.

Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi will lead the Opposition’s intervention during the debate, with Union Minister Meenakshi Lekhi Meghwal scheduled to respond on Wednesday. Senior Opposition leaders, including Sonia Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, and Rahul Gandhi, have staged demonstrations both inside and outside Parliament, holding placards reading “Stop SIR – Stop Vote Chori,” to highlight their concerns.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju confirmed the schedule in a post on X, noting that discussions on the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram and electoral reforms were finalised during the all-party meeting.

The debate is expected to address both procedural concerns related to the SIR process and larger reforms aimed at ensuring transparency, inclusivity, and fairness in the electoral system. Members from all sides of the House are preparing to present detailed interventions, marking a significant moment in the ongoing dialogue on electoral integrity in India.