New Delhi, Dec 1 — The Lok Sabha was adjourned for the day on Monday after sustained protests by Opposition members demanding a discussion on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, even as the government pushed through a Bill amending Manipur’s GST law.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman introduced the Bill in the morning to replace an ordinance issued for the state, which remains under President’s Rule. The House cleared it after a brief exchange, despite Opposition MPs trooping into the Well and shouting slogans.
Frequent disruptions marked the opening day of the Winter Session, which has 15 sittings scheduled. The House first adjourned during Question Hour, then again in the afternoon, before the final adjournment at 2.20 pm. Opposition MPs insisted that the government must allow a debate on SIR before taking up legislative business.
In the 12-minute Zero Hour that managed to run, Sitharaman introduced three more pieces of legislation, including two Bills to levy excise duty on tobacco products and a new cess on the manufacture of pan masala. She also tabled the first batch of Supplementary Demands for Grants for 2025-26, seeking parliamentary approval for additional net spending of ₹41,455 crore. “This includes over ₹18,000 crore towards fertiliser subsidy,” she said.
Earlier in the day, as the disruptions continued, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Rajya Sabha, saying the elevation of C.P. Radhakrishnan to the post of Vice-President “reflects the true strength of democracy.” He added, “I am confident that the House will benefit from his experience and guidance.”
Congress leaders accused the government of avoiding accountability inside Parliament. Rajya Sabha LoP Mallikarjun Kharge said the Opposition had been seeking discussions on critical issues but was met with “constant disregard for Parliamentary norms.” He said, “The government has been trampling the system for 11 years. Instead of addressing issues before Parliament, the Prime Minister once again delivered a performance.”
With no breakthrough in negotiations between the Treasury and Opposition benches, the Speaker adjourned the Lok Sabha for the day.
