Parliament Monsoon Session Live: Govt looks to push legislative agenda amid parliamentary deadlock over SIR discussion demand
Opposition parties have demanded a discussion on the SIR exercise, a request the government has rejected, citing that it cannot respond on behalf of the Election Commission (EC), an independent constitutional body. The government has also referred to a ruling by former Speaker Balram Jakhar that Parliament cannot debate the administrative work of constitutional bodies like the EC.
The government is expected to hold its ground, strengthened by its claim that Bihar opposition leader and RJD's Tejashwi Yadav held a 'double voter ID.' Yadav had alleged his name was removed from the rolls — a claim dismissed by the EC, which revealed his voter roll number and sought an explanation for holding two EPIC cards.
Government confidence has grown further after SIR data analysis indicated no systematic targeting of Muslims. Figures released Friday showed that migrants were unaffected and deletions were not higher in NDA-held constituencies than in those won by the opposition 'Mahagathbandhan' in Bihar.
With these findings, the government is likely to press ahead with the National Sports Governance Bill in the Lok Sabha, aiming to bring greater transparency in sports bodies, including the BCCI. In the Rajya Sabha, a resolution by home minister Amit Shah seeking a six-month extension of President's Rule in Manipur from August 13 is also listed for passage.
Since the session began on July 21, except for a two-day debate on the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor, proceedings have been largely stalled due to the SIR row. The INDIA bloc has united on the issue, accusing the EC of manipulating voter rolls to benefit the NDA.
The EC has announced plans to expand the exercise nationwide to 'protect' electoral roll integrity, ensuring only eligible citizens can vote. However, leader of opposition Rahul Gandhi has accused the EC of 'vote chori (stealing votes)' and sharply criticised the poll body. In a Saturday statement, the EC rejected his allegations as 'baseless', 'unsubstantiated' and 'misleading.'
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