Analysis Finds BJP SC and ST MPs Took Part in Fewer Lok Sabha Debates
An analysis of PRS Legislative Research data found that BJP MPs elected from Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe constituencies participated in fewer Lok Sabha debates, on average, than the House average and their party colleagues. The figures followed Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi’s request for more speaking time.
Bharatiya Janata Party MPs elected from Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe constituencies participated in fewer Lok Sabha debates, on average, than the House average and their party colleagues, according to an analysis reported by The Hindu. The analysis used MP Track data from PRS Legislative Research covering June 24, 2024, to August 23, 2026. It excluded six ministers from SC and ST constituencies.
The 24 BJP MPs elected from SC seats averaged 14.67 debates, while the 22 MPs from ST seats averaged 13.05. Combined, the 46 MPs averaged 13.89 debates, compared with 21.53 for 483 sitting MPs overall. The BJP’s 145 MPs elected from other constituencies averaged 19.68 debates.
The analysis therefore showed a gap of 4.14 debates for BJP MPs from SC seats and 5.92 for those from ST seats when compared with party colleagues from non-reserved constituencies. The pattern extended beyond the BJP. Across all parties, SC-seat MPs averaged 18.22 debates against 22.15 for other MPs, while ST-seat MPs averaged 17.67 compared with 21.91.
The analysis found that nine of the 46 BJP MPs were above the House average. Vishnu Dayal Ram of Palamau led with 44 debates, followed by Hemant Vishnu Savara of Palghar with 43. Mahendra Singh Solanky of Dewas was the only one who had not participated in a debate.
The figures followed a letter from Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi to Speaker Om Birla. Manjhi said an NDA meeting had raised concerns that SC and ST MPs were not receiving adequate time during discussions on important Bills and asked the Speaker to address the issue.
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