BJP MP Dilip Saikia slams opposition for ‘stalling parliament’, says legal concerns on SIR should go to SC

BJP MP Dilip Saikia on December 2 hit out at the Opposition for repeatedly disrupting Parliament, accusing them of following the same obstructionist approach seen in the previous session. 

Speaking to reporters, Saikia said the Opposition had earlier stalled the functioning of both Houses over the issue of the State-wise Index of Representation (SIR), and was now doing the same again instead of engaging constructively.

Saikia argued that if Opposition parties believe there are legal flaws in the SIR framework, they should move the Supreme Court or contest the matter directly with the Election Commission, rather than paralysing parliamentary proceedings. “If they have a valid legal issue, they should go to the Supreme Court. They should fight against the Election Commission. Why are they disrupting the House? The House belongs to the people,” he said.

Defending the Centre’s position, the BJP MP said his party firmly supports the SIR mechanism, pointing out that similar systems have already been implemented in Bihar and are now being adopted in several other states. He added that the government has made it clear that it is prepared to discuss every issue on the floor of the House, but the Opposition’s “attitude is not right,” leading to continuous disorder.

The ongoing Winter Session—one of the shortest in recent years—has seen repeated disruptions, with Opposition MPs protesting over issues ranging from electoral reforms to unemployment and federalism. Saikia’s remarks add to the escalating war of words between the government and the Opposition over responsibility for the legislative gridlock.

The government maintains that it is committed to debate, while the Opposition accuses the ruling party of avoiding accountability. The deadlock continues as both sides trade blame for the stalled proceedings.