Lok Sabha to Debate 'Vande Mataram' on Monday and Electoral Reforms on Tuesday, Says Rijiju

PTI, NEW DELHI, DEC 2, 2025 : The Lok Sabha will take up a debate on the 150th anniversary of the National Song Vande Mataram on Monday and on electoral reforms on Tuesday, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju announced. The decision was made following an all-party meeting and a Business Advisory Committee (BAC) chaired by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, indicating that the deadlock in both Houses over the opposition's demand to discuss the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls is likely to be resolved.

"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 the National Song Vande Mataram from 12 Noon on Monday, 8th December, and a discussion on election reforms from 12 Noon on Tuesday, 9th December," Rijiju said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

Later, addressing the media, Rijiju said, "I am happy that the all-party floor leaders' meeting called by the Speaker was very fruitful, and we all agreed that there will be a special discussion on the 150th anniversary of the National Song Vande Mataram on Monday. The discussion will start at 12 Noon and continue throughout the day. It was also agreed that on Tuesday, 9th December, there will be a discussion on election reforms."

"When we discuss reforms in elections, we can discuss and talk about many issues related to elections and their process in our country. For a parliamentary democracy, the election process is extremely important. So, finally, everybody has agreed to the discussion, and my special appeal to all the members, especially the opposition parties, is to cooperate fully with the decision taken. We all will take part," he added.

Rijiju further stated that after both discussions are concluded, "we will propose to take it up in the Rajya Sabha." He clarified, "In any case, the discussion can be initiated in either of the Houses. But we have decided that it will be taken up in the Lok Sabha first. Otherwise, both Houses have the privilege to take up any matter. After all, they are complementary to each other; both Houses are extremely important."

According to sources, the debate on Vande Mataram is likely to be held in the Rajya Sabha on December 9, and the debate on electoral reforms may take place on December 11. Just ahead of the BAC meeting, Speaker Birla met party leaders to resolve the deadlock in the House over the opposition's demand for a discussion on SIR.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to initiate the debate on the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram, Rijiju confirmed. He added that 10 hours have been allotted to both debates, with the possibility of extending the time if the House deems it necessary.

With the Lok Sabha set to debate electoral reforms next week, Congress MP Manickam Tagore claimed that the INDIA bloc had succeeded, with "arrogance" finally yielding to the "unity of 240 and 100 MPs". In a post on X, Tagore said, "INDIA wins. Arrogance finally bows to the unity of 240 & 100 MPs. Discussion on Electoral Reforms scheduled for December 9."

He also remarked, "One full Monsoon Session was washed away because of this. Two days of the Winter Session have already been wasted. Democracy is not a playground for diversion—it demands accountability," referring to the disruptions that had plagued the Lok Sabha.

The Speaker's meetings came in response to the repeated disruptions in the Lok Sabha over the issue, signaling a move towards breaking the deadlock.