The standoff between the government and the Opposition in Parliament was resolved, as both sides agreed to hold a discussion on the national song Vande Mataram as well as electoral reforms.  After two days of chaos and disruptions, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla held a Business Advisory Committee meeting with floor leaders, where it was decided that a 10-hour-long discussion on electoral reforms will be held in the Lower House of Parliament on December 9 and 10. During the meeting, it was also decided that the discussion on the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram will take place from 12 noon on  December 8 .

 

 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to initiate the special discussion on the 150th anniversary of India’s national song. The decision comes after the parliament was facing several adjournments, amid persistent sloganeering by opposition MPs demanding a discussion on the ongoing special intensive revision (SIR) of voter lists in 9 states and Union Territories. Addressing the media in Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said that for Parliamentary democracy, the election process is extremely important. So, finally, everybody has agreed on the discussion. The Minister said, Election Commission reform is a larger issue which is conducted by the Government and discussed in the Parliament. 

 

                                                    

Mr Rijiju said, SIR is an administrative matter which was decided by the Election Commission of India. He said, since the matter has been settled by coming into an agreement for discussion and the time and the date have been finalised, the Government is looking forward to a very constructive and engaging discussion.