OPPOSITION parties on Sunday demanded a discussion on Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and national security in an all-party meeting ahead of the Winter Session beginning December 1, with the Government saying it would engage with everyone to ensure smooth functioning of Parliament. The Winter session commences on Monday and will conclude on December 19. As many as 50 leaders of 36 political parties attended the meeting convened by the Governmentahead of the session.

 

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, BJP President and Union Minister JP Nadda, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, and his two deputies Arjun Ram Meghwal and L Murugan, attended the meeting. While the SIR continued to dominate the meeting proceedings, several other issues, like national security in the wake of the Delhi blast, and labour codes were also raised by the leaders. Some raised the point of federalism, alleging that Governors were sitting on bills passed by the State Legislatures and funds of Opposition-ruled States were being blocked. Even though he gave no assurance to the Opposition, Rijiju said the House must be allowedto function.

 

“This is the Winter Session of  Parliament and everyone should think and conduct themselves with a cool mind,” he told reporters after the two-hour long meeting. “Parliament should not be stalled and it should function smoothly. The Government will keep discussing with all parties to ensure smooth functioning of the House,” he said. Asked if the Opposition’s demand for a discussion on SIR will be accepted, Rijiju said the agenda of the session will be decided by the Business Advisory Committee (BAC). “There are differences among political parties, but if we decide not to disturb the House then productivity will rise, democracy strengthened and Parliament’s respect among people enhanced,” he said.