Priyanka Chaturvedi Accuses Govt of Backtracking on Electoral Reform Debate in Parliament

By A Staff Reporter

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi on Friday accused the government of going back on its promise to hold a short-duration discussion on electoral reforms, asserting that critical issues such as the burden on Booth Level Officers (BLOs) and deaths linked to SIR-related obligations deserved immediate parliamentary attention. Speaking in Delhi, Chaturvedi claimed that the assurance was given during the Business Advisory Committee (BAC) meeting but was not honoured when proceedings began.

She stated that the Parliamentary Affairs Minister had guaranteed that the Opposition’s request for discussion would be accommodated, yet the agenda was deferred once again. “Because of SIR, so many BLOs are losing their lives, working under intense pressure, being made to work in an inhuman manner. This deserves a discussion,” she said, emphasising the need for accountability and structural reform.

Chaturvedi accused the ruling BJP of deliberately avoiding debate. “Going back on assurances has become the BJP’s habit. They want disruption, they don’t want discussion,” she remarked, claiming that procedural delays appeared intentional. She also highlighted concerns over the duration of the Winter Session, calling it one of the shortest and alleging efforts to curtail debate further.

The Shiv Sena MP reiterated that the Opposition’s intention is not to stall proceedings but to ensure that Parliament addresses issues affecting public functionaries and the electoral process. “We want the session to run for as long as possible. We are here to discuss issues,” she said, urging the government to allow debate before legislative business is hurried to completion.