New Delhi: Congress MP Rajani Patil on Wednesday submitted a notice in the Rajya Sabha under Rule 267, seeking suspension of regular proceedings to discuss growing concerns over the integrity, fairness, and inclusiveness of the electoral process—particularly during the 2024 Maharashtra Legislative Assembly elections.
In her notice, Patil urged the Upper House to suspend scheduled activities such as the Zero Hour and Question Hour to prioritize a debate on safeguarding democratic principles and protecting the voting rights of all citizens.
“This House must suspend Zero Hour and relevant rules pertaining to Question Hour and other business of the day to discuss concerns about the integrity, inclusiveness, and fairness of electoral processes,” the notice stated.
“The House must deliberate on the steps necessary to uphold universal adult suffrage and protect democratic rights, especially in light of issues seen during the Maharashtra elections.”
In a separate notice, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Sanjay Singh also invoked Rule 267, calling for a discussion on alleged irregularities in the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) Phase-13 examination, conducted between July 24 and August 1.
Singh flagged several issues, including technical glitches, biometric verification errors, and abrupt exam cancellations, which he said have left thousands of aspirants—especially in Delhi—angry and anxious. Many candidates have taken to the streets, demanding accountability and reforms.
“There is deep concern about the upcoming Combined Graduate Level (CGL) exam scheduled for August 13,” Singh noted, warning that similar lapses could damage the credibility of future recruitment processes.
He also pointed to a worrying pattern of repeated disruptions in government recruitment exams over the past decade—from SSC and PPSC to various state-level and teacher eligibility tests—citing frequent paper leaks, cancellations, and lack of transparency.
Both MPs have called on the House to urgently address these issues in the national interest, emphasizing the need for transparency and fairness in democratic and recruitment processes.
