PM Modi Slams Protesting Opposition as SIR Controversy Heats Up Parliament; Abhishek Banerjee and Priyanka Gandhi Hit Back
PM Modi Slams Protesting Opposition as SIR Controversy Heats Up Parliament; Abhishek Banerjee and Priyanka Gandhi Hit Back
The controversy surrounding the Special Summary Revision (SIR) of voter lists, which has been simmering in Kolkata, dominated the first day of the Winter Session of Parliament.
Opposition parties staged repeated protests and demanded a discussion on the SIR process in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, leading to multiple adjournments.
As the opposition grew vocal in the Lok Sabha, Prime Minister Narendra Modi countered their protests with a sharp retort. He said, “There are many places to stage a drama; those who want to, can do it.”
Opposition Leaders Retaliate:
The Prime Minister’s comment immediately drew strong criticism from opposition leaders. TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee countered the PM by bringing up the issue of 40 BLOs (Booth Level Officers) and voters who died during the revision process. He questioned, “The death of forty people, did that seem like a drama to you?”
Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi also took a dig at the ruling party, stating that the government’s refusal to hold a democratic discussion on public issues constituted the real drama.
Rajya Sabha Action:
Mirroring the chaos in the lower house, the opposition staged a walkout in the Rajya Sabha over their demand for a debate on SIR. BJP leader Shamik Bhattacharya mocked the action, saying the opposition was merely “practicing” because they would have to permanently walk out in the 2026 elections.
