Kiren Rijiju Open to Electoral Reform Discussions in Rajya Sabha But Requests More Preparation Time

Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge insisted that discussions should commence without delay in the Rajya Sabha.

In New Delhi, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju affirmed on Monday that the government is open to discussions regarding Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls or electoral reforms. However, he requested the Opposition not to insist on an immediate timeline for such deliberations.

Rijiju was addressing opposition members who were demanding immediate discussions on SIR or electoral reforms in the Upper House. Dissatisfied with his response, several opposition parties walked out of the Rajya Sabha.

When responding to the opposition's demand for immediate discussion, the minister requested additional time to address the matter comprehensively. Earlier, Chairman CP Radhakrishnan had disallowed notices from nine opposition members on various issues, including a discussion on SIR under rule 267, which triggered protests from the Opposition.

The chairman subsequently invited members to present their Zero Hour mentions.

"We are not undermining any matter raised by the opposition party at yesterday's all-party meeting or today's Business Advisory Committee. The issue remains under government consideration," Rijiju explained.

"Imposing a condition that the matter must be addressed today creates difficulties, as some flexibility is necessary," he added.

Rijiju mentioned that certain opposition parties had raised matters beyond SIR and emphasized the importance of protecting their rights as well.

"Regarding special intensive revision, electoral reforms, or related matters, I stated before the winter session commenced that the government is willing to discuss anything," Rijiju clarified.

"Please allow us some time while we handle other listed business. Your demand has not been rejected, so please don't assume the government is unwilling to discuss any matter," the minister stated, adding, "Please don't impose timeline conditions."

Earlier, Opposition Leader Mallikarjun Kharge demanded immediate commencement of discussions and cautioned the ruling party against attempting to divide opposition parties, stating, "Don't divide us. If you try to divide us, we will emerge stronger."

TMC leader Derek O'Brien advocated for immediate discussions on electoral reforms, while CPI(M) member John Brittas urged the Parliamentary Affairs Minister to honor his commitments and facilitate House discussions on electoral reforms.

The Election Commission had previously announced Special Intensive Revision in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Puducherry, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal.

Among these regions, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Kerala, and West Bengal will hold elections in 2026. In Assam, where elections are also scheduled for 2026, the electoral roll revision was announced separately under the term 'Special Revision'.