New Delhi: Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju criticised the Opposition for escalating tensions in Parliament, arguing that several disruptions stem from attempts to introduce new points of contention despite an agreed legislative agenda for the Winter Session. His remarks came as political debate intensified over the government’s directive requiring the Sanchar Saathi app to be pre-installed on all new mobile handsets and added via software updates to devices already in circulation.
Rijiju said the Opposition was creating unnecessary friction by repeatedly raising fresh issues even though many of their demands were already listed for discussion. He urged political parties not to turn every matter into an opportunity for confrontation, stressing that Parliament must be allowed to function smoothly. He rejected allegations that the Sanchar Saathi mandate amounted to state surveillance and cautioned against sensationalising the issue.
The app allows users to report fraudulent communication, track lost phones and flag misuse of device identification numbers. The Department of Telecommunications has given manufacturers and importers 90 days to comply with the order.
While the Centre attempted to proceed with scheduled business on Monday, both Houses faced repeated adjournments over protests related to the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. The government is expected to move ahead with the Central Excise (Amendment) Bill, 2025 and other agenda items despite continued disruptions.
Rijiju reiterated that the government is willing to debate issues raised by the Opposition, but he objected to demands for immediate discussions under strict timelines. He noted that no concern raised in earlier meetings had been dismissed.
Opposition parties remained firm in their call for an extensive debate on the electoral roll revision process. Members of the INDIA bloc held a demonstration outside Parliament, arguing that large-scale deletions in certain states risk undermining citizens’ voting rights. They also highlighted difficulties faced by voters and Booth Level Officers in meeting procedural requirements, insisting the matter requires urgent national attention.
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