New Delhi

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Tuesday announced that the Lok Sabha will hold a debate on the 150th anniversary of the National Song ‘Vande Mataram’ on Monday, followed by a detailed discussion on electoral reforms beginning Tuesday.

The decision emerged after an all-party meeting and a sitting of the Business Advisory Committee (BAC), chaired by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, raising hopes of an end to the stalemate in Parliament over the Opposition’s insistence on discussing the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

In a post on X, Rijiju wrote, “During the All-Party Meeting chaired by Speaker Lok Sabha today, it has been decided to hold a discussion in Lok Sabha on the 150th Anniversary of National Song ‘Vande Mataram’ from 12 noon on Monday, December 8, and a discussion on Election Reforms from 12 noon on Tuesday, December 9.”

During the All Party Meeting Chaired by Hon'ble Speaker Lok Sabha today, it has been decided to hold discussion in Lok Sabha on 150th Anniversary of National Song 'Vande Mataram' from 12 Noon on Monday 8th Dec and discussion on Election Reforms from 12 noon on Tuesday 9th Dec.

— Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) December 2, 2025

Just before the BAC meeting, Speaker Birla met leaders of various parties in an effort to restore normal functioning of the House, which has faced repeated disruptions over the SIR controversy.

Speaking to reporters after the BAC meeting, Congress chief whip K. Suresh said the debate on Vande Mataram would be taken up on Monday, while electoral reforms would be discussed on Tuesday and Wednesday. The Opposition’s demand for a debate on the SIR exercise has been merged with the broader agenda of electoral reforms, he added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to open the discussion on the 150-year commemoration of the National Song. Suresh said 10 hours have been allocated for each debate, with the possibility of an extension if required.

Earlier in the day, Rijiju held talks with floor leaders but avoided committing to a separate debate on the SIR issue, saying the Opposition cannot dictate timelines to the government. According to sources, he reiterated that SIR is an administrative exercise of the Election Commission and does not fall within the government’s domain.

However, Rijiju conveyed that the government is willing to discuss electoral reforms comprehensively, since the subject is within its policy framework.

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The Opposition has been demanding a firm assurance in the Lok Sabha that the SIR exercise — currently underway in 12 states and Union Territories — will be taken up for discussion. The House was adjourned for the second consecutive day over Opposition protests on the matter.