Lok Sabha Continues Debate On SIR; Amit Shah To Address House On Electoral Reforms

The Lok Sabha will continue its discussion on the Special Intensive Review (SIR) on Wednesday, with Union Home Minister Amit Shah scheduled to address the House at 5 PM.

The debate, which began on Tuesday, focuses on the SIR process conducted by the Election Commission of India (ECI) across 12 states and union territories.

Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju confirmed the Home Minister’s participation via a post on the social media platform X.

Congress MP Manish Tewari opened the debate, raising concerns about the use of public funds during elections, including cash transfers to voters. He questioned the legal basis of the SIR and demanded greater transparency, including machine-readable voter lists for political parties.

Tewari called for amendments to the Election Commission officers’ selection process, including the inclusion of the Chief Justice of India and the Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha. He urged an immediate halt to direct cash transfers before elections, describing the practice as anti-democratic.

Ruling Party Responds

BJP MP Sanjay Jaiswal countered the opposition, claiming the SIR debate and allegations of ‘vote-chori’ were attempts to divert attention from Congress losses in the Bihar elections. He cited historical examples, including the 1947 appointment of Jawaharlal Nehru and events during the Emergency, to argue that Congress had previously engaged in similar practices.

BJP MP Nishikant Dubey also rejected Rahul Gandhi’s claims that the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) captured national institutions, citing amendments from the 1970s that weakened constitutional bodies during the Emergency.

During the discussion on electoral reforms, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi questioned why the government excluded the Chief Justice of India from the Election Commissioner selection panel.

He criticised the government for granting immunity to Election Commissioners for actions taken in office, calling it an unprecedented move in India’s history.

Gandhi labelled vote manipulation as ‘the biggest anti-national act’.

The Lok Sabha debate on SIR and electoral reforms is expected to continue through the day, with both ruling and opposition parties presenting contrasting perspectives on transparency, accountability, and the conduct of elections in India.

Also Read: PM Modi Encourages Citizens To Reclaim Forgotten Financial Assets Through ‘Your Money, Your Right’ Initiative