Haryana Assembly Winter Session Concludes Slogans, chaos, walkout: Debate on electoral reforms turns stormy

Leader of the Opposition Bhupinder Singh Hooda said, “I fail to understand the objective of this move. Is it even within our domain? The matter is sub judice.”

Saini responded, “Congress leader Rahul Gandhi specifically named Haryana while making allegations of vote theft. Such serious charges deserve a responsible and fact-based discussion in this House, because the people of Haryana want to know the truth.”

Congress MLAs, however, objected to the chief minister’s remarks and raised slogans. Hooda insisted that Gandhi had not directly questioned the chief minister.

Defending the need for a discussion, the Speaker said, “Nothing will be achieved by making noise. The public has the right to know the current situation about electoral reforms.”

Accusing the Congress of avoiding a debate, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Mahipal Dhanda said, “If you have not lied on the issue, then participate in the discussion.”

The chief minister, too, pressed for a debate, noting that the Congress had even held a rally with the slogan “Vote Chor Gaddi Chhod”.

When Minister Dr Arvind Sharma mentioned that the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls would also take place in Haryana, the Speaker clarified that SIR was not part of the motion.

Cabinet Minister Vipul Goel questioned the Congress’s opposition to a debate, and asked them whether they want a discussion on the allegation “Vote Chor–Gaddi Chhod”. As Congress MLAs continued shouting the “Vote Chor Gaddi Chhod” slogan, Dhanda said, “They will raise slogans but will not join the discussion.”

Despite repeated appeals by the Speaker, Congress legislators continued to raise slogans and demand debates on issues such as inflation and unemployment.

Amid the uproar, INLD MLA Arjun Chautala said the Speaker should form a “Narebaji Committee”.

Referring to constitutional provisions, Congress MLA Geeta Bhukkal said, “Matters related to elections fall under Parliament’s jurisdiction, while issues of local bodies and panchayat elections can be discussed in the Assembly. Parliament already debated the issue of electoral rolls.”

The chief minister, however, clarified that the proposed discussion was neither against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) nor the Election Commission of India (ECI). “If the Opposition believes that there have been irregularities, they should be discussed openly. If they have concrete suggestions for improvement, those can also be presented,” Saini said.

The chief minister further stated that Kashyap’s proposal should be taken up so that the people of Haryana receive complete and transparent information. “Since the Opposition has repeatedly raised this unfounded matter, a detailed discussion will help clarify the facts for everyone,” he said.

Saini added, “The people of the state gave the government an overwhelming mandate. In such a situation, despite this clear public confidence, the Opposition’s attempt to create a perception of ‘vote theft’ amounts to misinformation and undermines the people’s verdict.”

Amid continuous sloganeering, the Speaker adjourned the House for 15 minutes. When the session resumed, Congress MLAs continued their protest and eventually staged a walkout.

The Winter Session, which began on Thursday, concluded on Monday.