Kiren Rijiju says govt ready to hear Oppn as SIR demand dominates all-party meet ahead of Parliament Winter Session

Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju speaks to the media during the all-party meeting ahead of Parliament's winter session, on Sunday. (Image: PTI)

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Sunday said that the government intends to keep channels open with all political parties as the Winter Session approaches, adding that “Parliament belongs to everyone” and should run without disruption.

Speaking after an all-party meeting in New Delhi, he noted that the discussion had been “very good and very productive,” with 50 leaders from 36 parties participating. Rijiju stressed that every suggestion from the meeting would be placed before the Business Advisory Committees of both Houses.

Questions over whether the Opposition’s push for a debate on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls had been accepted were met with the minister’s reminder that the session’s schedule will be determined by the BAC.

“The matter will be discussed at the Business Advisory Committee meeting this evening,” he said, adding that procedures and conventions govern how issues are taken up in Parliament.

Some Opposition leaders had warned that they could cause commotion in the House over SIR, but Rijiju responded by saying, “No one said that Parliament will not function or will not let it function. Some leaders said they can create a ruckus in the House over SIR. I am saying this in a positive manner that we are ready to listen to the Opposition.”

Earlier, after the government-convened all-party meet that lasted about two hours and was attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Union Health Minister and BJP president JP Nadda, as well as several Opposition leaders, Rijiju told reporters that inputs from across the political spectrum had been taken in good faith.

“Parliament should not be stalled and it should function smoothly. Government will keep discussing with all parties to ensure smooth functioning of the House,” he said.

Opposition leaders, however, remained firm on their demand for a full discussion on SIR once the Winter Session begins. Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan Banerjee said that his party was willing to help ensure orderly proceedings “provided treasury benches also cooperate,” adding that “Government should allow discussion on issues such as SIR. Forty persons have lost their life conducting SIR exercise.”

DMK’s Tiruchi Siva said parties across the opposition spectrum had a united stance on taking up the SIR issue during the session.

Another matter flagged by opposition parties is the proposal to mark the 150th year of ‘Vande Mataram’. Rijiju described the anniversary as an issue of national significance rather than political contention. “Vande Mataram is very important… Even if we have to discuss it, I will put it before all the parties. I will raise it in the BAC. I cannot announce the agenda here,” he said.

The Winter Session begins Monday and continues until December 19, spread over 19 days with 15 sittings. Private Members’ Bills are listed for December 5 and 19, while Private Members’ resolutions are scheduled for December 12.

Meanwhile, the INDIA bloc has planned a strategy meeting at the office of Rajya Sabha Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday. The Congress-led grouping intends to press for debates on issues including comments made by US President Donald Trump regarding mediation during Operation Sindoor, as well as trade and China-related concerns.

With agency inputs