Stormy start to Parliament winter session as Opposition protests denial of debate on SIR

Disruptions were witnessed in both Houses of Parliament on the opening day of the winter session on Monday as Opposition parties staged protests demanding a debate on the special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and other issues, including national security in the aftermath of the Delhi blast.The Lok Sabha saw two adjournments before being adjourned for the day around 2.20 pm as disruptions continued. The Rajya Sabha saw an Opposition walkout even as the government asserted that it was not averse to a discussion, but couldn’t set a timeline.

Rajya Sabha Chairperson CP Radhakrishnan, on his first day as the presiding officer after being selected to the post, disallowed notices given by nine Opposition members on several issues, including a discussion on the SIR, leading to protests.

In the Lok Sabha, relentless Opposition MPs repeatedly trooped into the well and raised slogans demanding a discussion on the SIR, prompting Speaker Om Birla to caution them against lowering the dignity of the House.

The Lower House, after a brief debate, passed the Manipur GST Bill to replace an ordinance promulgated to implement the GST 2.0 reforms in the north-eastern state. The Bill was among three introduced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, besides tabling supplementary demands for grants for 2025-26. The other two Bills related to levying excise duty on tobacco and tobacco products, and a new cess on the manufacture of pan masala.

The Lok Sabha was first adjourned till 12 noon after the question hour proceedings could only last 15 minutes following an uproar by the Opposition. After the House reassembled at noon, it was again adjourned till 2 pm shortly after Sitharaman introduced the Bills.

Speaker Om Birla urged members to maintain decorum, emphasising the importance of discussion vis-à-vis disruptions. “In a democracy, it’s natural to have differences. But these should be resolved through debate. This is not a place for sloganeering and showing placards,” he said. The Opposition MPs, however, didn’t relent and continued with protests, forcing the adjournment for the day.

Earlier, tributes were paid to five departed former members and congratulations were extended to the women’s cricket team and other sports achievers.

Addressing the Upper House, Radhakrishnan urged members to uphold the Constitution and follow parliamentary norms while adhering to the 'Lakshman Rekha' as envisaged under the rules.