On December 2, 2025, the Rajya Sabha witnessed a stand-off between the government and opposition over the debate on special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said the government was ready to discuss the matter but refused to give a timeline or prioritize it over other issues. He stated that the debate on 'Vande Mataram' would be taken up first. Opposition leaders from Congress, TMC, DMK, AAP, SP, and CPI(M) urged the government to prioritize the SIR debate, saying it is urgent and important. They met Mr. Rijiju demanding a time for the discussion on electoral reforms on the House floor. Mr. Rijiju explained, "Vande Mataram is a matter related to our freedom struggle. Matters related to electoral reforms are also extremely important. However, considering that Opposition parties have united to raise one issue, the government is ready to take up a discussion but to have it before discussion on Vande Mataram may not be appropriate." Trinamool Congress leader Derek O'Brien emphasized, "More than 14 opposition parties want discussion on a particular issue because people are dying because of SIR." Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge said, "We have demanded for discussion under Rule 267... What the Parliamentary Affairs Minister said, whatever the agenda is, it should get priority. Rule 267 says all other issues should be kept aside and first preference should be given... Otherwise, there is no reason to give Rule 267 notice..." Congress leader Kharge added, "Keeping aside all other businesses, the House should take up Rule 267 discussion on SIR. Vande Mataram comes from us not from them." Chairman CP Radhakrishnan responded, "Vande Mataram is for everyone." DMK's Tiruchi Siva and CPI(M)'s John Brittas also demanded that electoral reforms be discussed first. As the Chairman moved on with other business, opposition MPs raised slogans demanding the SIR debate and finally staged a walkout in protest. The standoff highlights tensions in Rajya Sabha as the government seeks to manage its agenda amid united opposition demands on electoral reforms.