Opposition urges meaningful Parliament debate on SIR, national security.
Opposition leaders pushed urgently for a national security debate after the Delhi blast, seeking answers and stronger protective measures.
The political atmosphere in New Delhi grew tense on Sunday (November 30, 2025) as the Opposition collectively demanded a full-fledged discussion in Parliament on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Leaders across Opposition parties warned that if the government refuses to allow such a debate, the functioning of both Houses could be disrupted during the upcoming Winter Session.
The demand was raised during an all-party meeting convened by the government ahead of the session starting Monday (December 1). What was meant to be a routine consultative meeting quickly turned into a heated exchange, with Opposition parties insisting that the SIR exercise—directly linked to the integrity of the electoral system—requires transparent scrutiny inside Parliament.
The disagreement did not stop there. The Opposition also pushed strongly for a discussion on national security following the disturbing Delhi blast incident. Leaders argued that such an attack in the capital should automatically trigger a serious policy debate and that the government could not simply move forward without acknowledging public concern.
Congress general secretary (communications) Jairam Ramesh made it clear that the Opposition viewed the all-party meeting as “a mere formality.” Speaking to reporters afterward, Ramesh accused the government of ignoring parliamentary norms and bypassing the Opposition entirely while finalizing the Winter Session agenda.
He said the government’s intention was evident from the start, pointing out that it had listed a subject for short-duration discussion without any consultation.
“This upcoming 15-day session,” Ramesh wrote on X, “will be the shortest in Parliamentary history. Of these, one replaces an ordinance and two have already gone through a Lok Sabha committee. That means ten Bills have not been examined by the relevant Standing Committees.”
Ramesh warned that the government might even bring in a Bill that is not yet listed, especially toward the end of the already-compressed session. Such a move, he said, would reinforce the Opposition’s fear that the government is attempting to rush through legislation without scrutiny.
Congress’ deputy leader in the Lok Sabha, Gaurav Gogoi, echoed similar concerns. Briefing reporters after the meeting, Gogoi accused the ruling party and Prime Minister Narendra Modi of trying to “finish off democracy,” “derail Parliament,” and “bury parliamentary traditions.” His remarks reflected the deep mistrust between the two sides as the session begins.
The SIR of electoral rolls has become a flashpoint because the Opposition believes the revision process lacks transparency and may impact voter rights. They argue that Parliament must discuss how the revision is being conducted, who is being included or excluded, and whether adequate safeguards exist to prevent manipulation. The government has so far maintained that SIR is part of a routine administrative exercise, but the Opposition insists that the matter is far too sensitive to be handled without legislative oversight.
Concerns around national security further amplified the urgency of a debate. The recent blast in Delhi has raised questions about intelligence preparedness, policing gaps, and coordination among security agencies. Opposition leaders stressed that, in any democracy, Parliament must be the forum where such threats are openly discussed and addressed. Avoiding a debate, they said, would send a message of indifference to citizens shaken by the incident.
As the Winter Session begins, the atmosphere is already fraught with confrontation. The Opposition appears determined to use every parliamentary tool available—debates, disruptions, adjournment motions, and coordinated protests—to ensure the SIR issue and national security are brought to the floor. The government, meanwhile, appears focused on clearing its legislative agenda during what is set to be an unusually short session.
With both sides standing firm, the stage is set for a contentious and closely watched Winter Session, one that may shape not only legislative outcomes but also the broader political narrative heading into an important year for national politics.