Several opposition leaders, including Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, along with MPs from DMK and others, staged a protest on December 2, 2025, at Parliament’s Makar Dwar during the Winter Session’s second day.
They demanded an immediate debate on electoral reforms and opposed the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in nine states and three Union Territories, accusing it of enabling “vote chori” and disenfranchising marginalised voters.
Rahul Gandhi charged Prime Minister Narendra Modi with avoiding people’s issues, while Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju stated the government welcomes discussion but rejects fixed timelines; proceedings faced adjournments and walkouts amid heightened tensions.
Protest Unfolds: Slogans, Placards, and Sharp Exchanges
The demonstration began at 10:30 AM at Makar Dwar, with leaders holding placards reading “Stop SIR – Stop Vote Chori” and raising slogans against what they called a threat to democracy.
Congress MP Manickam Tagore had announced the protest earlier, drawing MPs from the INDIA bloc, including DMK’s K Kanhimozhi and T R Baalu.
Rahul Gandhi declared the Prime Minister “shies away” from welfare discussions despite claiming Parliament belongs to the people, and Priyanka Gandhi labelled SIR a “conspiracy to destroy democracy and establish dictatorship.”
An opposition leader highlighted the scale, noting “in a 540-member house, 240 members demand discussion, yet arrogance prevails.” Security was tightened, disrupting normal proceedings on a day already marked by Lok Sabha uproar and adjournments till 2 PM.
SIR Explained: Electoral Roll Revision Sparks Fury
SIR involves a thorough door-to-door verification of voter lists by Booth Level Officers (BLOs) to update records ahead of future polls, targeting areas with discrepancies.
Critics from Congress and allies argue it pressures BLOs-leading to reported suicides and negligence cases, with over 60 BLOs booked in Noida-and disproportionately affects poor and migrant voters by potentially deleting names without due process.
The exercise covers 12 states initially, with deadlines like December 4 for form submissions in Tamil Nadu, where reminders appeared on Aavin milk packets.
TMC held virtual strategy meetings, while Jharkhand’s Health Minister faced backlash for urging resistance to BLOs. Opposition views it as government-orchestrated “vote theft,” contrasting the Election Commission’s claim of independence.youtube+2
Winter Session Chaos: From Day 1 Disruptions to Day 2 Standoff
The Winter Session opened Monday with Lok Sabha multiple adjournments and Rajya Sabha walkouts over SIR demands. Prime Minister Modi urged opposition to shun “drama” for constructive debate, prompting TMC MP Sagarika Ghose to cite a “huge trust deficit,” including PM’s prior “drama” remark and BLO tragedies.
Senior ministers met in Modi’s Parliament room to discuss debate formats, but Rijiju insisted, “Government is ready for SIR talk, but not on your timeline-discussions don’t work that way.”
Earlier sessions saw MPs tearing SIR papers, and protests like Rahul Gandhi’s barricade-jumping detention in August. This escalation underscores deepening divides on electoral integrity during a session meant for key legislations.
Government Stance: Open to Debate, Firm on Process
Official responses emphasise SIR’s constitutional backing by the Election Commission, dismissing interference claims. Rijiju reiterated non-aversion to reforms discussion but condemned “obstructive tactics” and insistence on immediacy.
Government sources note senior-level talks for structured debates, countering opposition’s “misleading the House” accusation.
Amid this, both Houses saw stalled business, with opposition rejecting vague assurances. The position aligns with prior rejections, framing protests as excuses to derail Parliament.
Broader Implications: Voter Trust and Democratic Health
This clash highlights longstanding electoral reform debates, from voter list accuracy to BLO welfare. Rahul Gandhi previously called SIR “chaos” pressuring officials, while allies like TMC mobilise against perceived disenfranchisement.
With 240 opposition MPs united, it signals a rallying point for INDIA bloc ahead of potential polls. Human costs, including BLO stress-related deaths, add urgency, as seen in Noida’s bookings and Jharkhand controversies.
The impasse risks prolonging session disruptions, affecting public discourse on governance.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The Logical Indian stands for transparent elections, empathy for vulnerable voters, and dialogue that bridges divides for harmonious coexistence.
SIR aims to clean rolls but must safeguard against errors harming the marginalised, demanding BLO protections and inclusive verification.
Protests amplify voices yet risk paralysing Parliament-leaders should prioritise collaborative reforms over confrontation to rebuild trust.
