The SIR issue, a dispute over alleged irregularities in the Central Election Commission’s voter list, has gnawed Parliament since the 2024 elections. Shah, addressing the BJP’s state executive in Lucknow on Friday, declared the party had nothing to hide and was ready to convene a special session to force the debate.
Shah accused Rahul Gandhi and Akhilesh Yadav of staging disruptions instead of engaging in the discussion, citing a pattern of 'ruckus' that has stalled proceedings. He said, 'Instead of accepting defeat, they blame the umpire and claim votes were stolen.' The accusation echoes earlier parliamentary protests by the opposition during the vote‑counting stage.
The minister highlighted BJP’s record across the country, pointing to a 100‑seat haul in Assam, a 41% vote share in Uttar Pradesh in 2022, and victories in Haryana, Maharashtra, Bihar, Delhi, and Puducherry. He noted that in Bengal the party 'completely wiped out Mamata Didi.' These statistics serve to bolster his argument that the opposition is merely politicizing electoral outcomes.
Looking ahead to the 2027 Uttar Pradesh assembly elections, Shah asserted the BJP would reclaim power for a third consecutive term with a decisive majority in all 403 seats. He urged workers to focus on the next battle, invoking Arjuna to 'keep the eye on the target.' Among the 500 BJP volunteers gathered in Lucknow, a 32‑year‑old farmer from a nearby village shouted, 'We are ready to defend our record.'
The challenge may compel the opposition to accept the debate, while the BJP threatens to trigger a special parliamentary session that could set a new precedent for addressing procedural disputes. The next step is a parliamentary vote on whether to admit the special session, expected within the next fortnight.