Winter Session: Electoral Reforms Take Centre Stage in Lok Sabha, Cultural Debate Ends in Rajya Sabha

The eighth day of the Winter Session of Parliament unfolded with heightened political tension on Wednesday, as the Lok Sabha continued its charged debate on electoral reforms, including the Election Commission of India's (ECI) Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, while the Rajya Sabha prepared to conclude its discussion on the 150th anniversary of 'Vande Mataram'.

The Lok Sabha proceedings, which began on Tuesday with Congress MP Manish Tewari initiating the debate, saw Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi accuse the BJP and ECI of colluding to "shape elections" through "vote chori" (vote theft), terming it the "biggest anti-national act" undermining India's democracy. Gandhi demanded transparency in ECI appointments and an end to alleged manipulations, prompting sharp rebuttals from the treasury benches. Union Home Minister Amit Shah is scheduled to deliver the government's concluding remarks at 5 PM, outlining a roadmap for enhancing electoral transparency, including voter verification and digital safeguards.

In the Rajya Sabha, BJP president and Leader of the House JP Nadda is expected to wrap up the 'Vande Mataram' debate later today, framing the national song as a symbol of cultural unity and freedom struggle ethos. The discussion, marking Bankim Chandra Chatterjee's composition's sesquicentennial, has drawn ideological clashes, with the opposition alleging it diverts from pressing economic issues. Post-conclusion, the Upper House will pivot to electoral reforms starting Thursday, allocating a total of 10 hours across both chambers for the topic.

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AAP MP Sanjay Singh submitted a Rule 267 notice in the Rajya Sabha demanding an urgent discussion on Delhi's "toxic air pollution emergency", highlighting health crises amid the city's Air Quality Index hovering in the "poor" category at 291. Separately, TMC leaders, including Sagarika Ghose and Dola Sen, staged a silent protest in Parliament premises over delayed MNREGA funds, holding portraits of Rabindranath Tagore and Bankim Chandra Chatterjee. BJP MP Kangana Ranaut dismissed questions on Gandhi's Germany trip mid-session, calling it "pointless".

The session, running from November 25 to December 19, has been marked by opposition demands for accountability on issues like Adani allegations and Manipur violence, though the government prioritised legislative business, including the Central Excise (Amendment) Bill. With INDIA bloc floor leaders set to meet at 9:45 AM to strategise, Wednesday's debates underscore deepening divides ahead of key 2026 state polls.

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