Opposition parties staged a walkout in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday (March 10, 2026) after Chairman C.P. Radhakrishnan declined their demand for a fresh discussion on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal.
The confrontation began when Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Derek O’Brien attempted to raise a point of order, pressing for a debate on the SIR exercise. Mr. Radhakrishnan rejected the plea, stating that adequate time had already been given during the Winter Session’s discussions on electoral reforms.
Parliament Budget session updates on March 10, 2026
The Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge backed Mr. O’Brien’s demand, calling it “very important”. As Opposition members raised slogans. Mr. Radhakrishnan’s repeated pleas for restoring order had little impact on the protesting members, who staged a walk out.
Following the walkout, the Leader of the House J.P. Nadda accused the Opposition of avoiding substantive debate. He said extensive discussions, spanning 15 to 16 hours, had taken place on electoral reforms, including the SIR, but the Opposition had walked out without hearing the government’s reply to the debate. He reiterated the charge he had levelled on Monday, accusing the Opposition of undermining democratic norms and “bringing about anarchy”.
