New Delhi: In a notable development during the ongoing winter session of Parliament, Lok Sabha floor leaders on Tuesday reached a consensus to hold a discussion on the 150th anniversary of “Vande Mataram”, followed by a two-day debate on electoral reforms, a key demand of the Opposition parties. The decision comes after a tense start to the session, which began on Monday with disruptions and protests from Opposition members demanding immediate attention to electoral reform proposals.

Discussion Schedule Finalized

Congress chief whip in the Lok Sabha, K Suresh, confirmed the agreement, stating, “All parties have agreed to have a discussion on 150 years of Vande Mataram next Monday. On December 8 and 9, the discussion on electoral reforms will take place.” He further added that the Trinamool Congress (TMC) did not raise any objections to this arrangement. The discussion on Vande Mataram, according to sources, is intended to precede the short-duration debate on electoral reforms or the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process, which has been a pressing concern for Opposition parties.

The consensus was reached during a meeting chaired by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, where floor leaders from all parties deliberated on the schedule to ensure smooth functioning for the remainder of the session. While the Lok Sabha schedule was agreed upon, the Rajya Sabha floor leaders are yet to finalize the timing and sequence of debates.

Fractious Start to Winter Session

The winter session, which commenced on Monday, witnessed significant tension, as Opposition parties disrupted proceedings demanding immediate discussion on electoral reforms. Despite repeated assurances from the government that it would consider the proposal, no timeline was initially provided, prompting protests and raising concerns over parliamentary functioning.

Earlier in the day, a meeting convened by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju brought together leaders from Congress, TMC, Samajwadi Party, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), Communist Party of India (Marxist), and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). During the meeting, the government reiterated that a discussion on electoral reforms would indeed take place but emphasized that the Opposition could not dictate the timeline.

Opposition Concerns on SIR

Despite the agreement, Opposition leaders expressed reservations about the sequencing and timing of the discussion on SIR. TMC leader Derek O’Brien pointed out that there was still no clarity from the government on when the debate would be formally taken up. “We told the government that they should come and announce that the discussion on SIR will be taken up on Wednesday in the Lok Sabha and then in the Rajya Sabha, but they are not doing that,” O’Brien said.

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh echoed similar concerns, highlighting a trust deficit between the government and the Opposition. “There is a huge trust deficit which is simply unbridgeable owing to how the government behaves with the Opposition,” he stated. Opposition members argued that postponing the SIR discussion undermined the urgency of the matter, particularly given that 28 Block Level Officers involved in the SIR process have reportedly passed away, further underscoring the human and administrative implications of delays.

An Opposition leader, speaking on condition of anonymity, claimed that the government’s preference to discuss Vande Mataram first was a tactical move. “They want to push the discussion on SIR to next week when there will barely be time to take up the important issue,” the leader said.

Government’s Position

The government, while agreeing to the debates, has consistently maintained that the discussion on Vande Mataram should precede the electoral reforms debate. According to sources, officials believe that commemorating 150 years of Vande Mataram is a matter of national significance, and placing it first would help ensure a structured and orderly discussion before tackling more contentious electoral reform issues.

The parliamentary affairs ministry has assured that the SIR and electoral reform discussions will be conducted in a focused, two-day session, allowing both government and Opposition members to present their positions comprehensively. The ministry also emphasized that while the schedule for these debates has been proposed, the exact timing and sequence remain subject to the final approval of both Houses’ presiding officers.

Broader Implications for the Winter Session

The agreement between floor leaders is expected to facilitate smoother functioning for the remainder of the winter session, reducing the frequency of disruptions and allowing Parliament to take up other legislative and oversight business. However, the Opposition has cautioned that it will continue to press for timely action on electoral reforms, warning that delays could impact both the legislative agenda and public confidence in the reform process.

Observers noted that the current arrangement represents a delicate balancing act, allowing the government to highlight a culturally significant milestone while addressing the Opposition’s demand for urgent discussion on electoral reforms. How effectively both sides manage this arrangement could set the tone for the remainder of the winter session.

Conclusion

With the Lok Sabha floor leaders agreeing on the debate schedule, MPs are now expected to engage in discussions that cover both historical and contemporary issues of national importance. While the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram will be commemorated, the subsequent two-day debate on electoral reforms and the Special Intensive Revision process will provide an opportunity for thorough scrutiny, debate, and consensus-building on matters central to the integrity and efficiency of India’s electoral system.

As the winter session progresses, all eyes will be on whether the government and Opposition can maintain the agreed timeline, ensure meaningful debate, and avoid further disruptions that have characterized the session’s opening days.