Opposition Stages Walkout in Lok Sabha Over Amit Shah's Remarks on Illegal Immigrants During Electoral Reforms Debate

Lok Sabha Witnesses Opposition Walkout Amidst Heated Electoral Reforms Debate

New Delhi, India – The Indian Parliament's Lok Sabha experienced a significant walkout by opposition members on Wednesday, December 10, 2025. The protest occurred during Union Home Minister Amit Shah's speech on electoral reforms, specifically in response to his assertive statements concerning illegal immigrants and their alleged presence on voter lists. The incident highlighted the deepening divide between the ruling government and the opposition over sensitive national issues.

Home Minister Shah's Stance on Infiltrators and Electoral Integrity

During the debate on electoral reforms, which included discussions on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, Home Minister Amit Shah articulated the government's firm position. He declared that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government's policy is to 'detect, delete, and deport illegal immigrants' from the country. Shah accused opposition parties of attempting to protect 'infiltrators' and keep their names in the electoral rolls to secure vote banks. He questioned the opposition's motives, asking, 'Should illegal immigrants participate in elections in India?' The Home Minister emphasized that the SIR aims to cleanse electoral rolls by removing duplicate entries and illegal immigrants, framing the issue as crucial for national security and democratic integrity.

Opposition Protests and Demands for Transparency

The opposition's walkout was triggered by Shah's remarks, which they deemed inflammatory. Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi engaged in a heated exchange with Shah, challenging him to debate claims of 'vote chori' (vote theft) that Gandhi had previously made. Following the walkout, Gandhi stated that Shah's response was 'completely defensive' and that he 'did not' answer questions regarding transparent voter lists and the architecture of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). The opposition has consistently criticized the SIR exercise, alleging that it disproportionately affects marginalized voters.

Government's Unwavering Resolve Post-Walkout

Despite the opposition's boycott, Home Minister Amit Shah remained resolute. He asserted that the walkout would have no impact on the government's efforts and reiterated his commitment that 'not a single infiltrator will be allowed to vote.' Shah also took a jibe at the opposition, noting that they had not walked out earlier in his speech when he criticized former Congress leaders, but chose to do so when the issue of infiltrators was raised, implying their reluctance to address the subject. The parliamentary affairs minister, Kiren Rijiju, criticized the opposition, stating that the walkout demonstrated their impatience and desire to waste parliamentary time.