Rajya Sabha chairman invites floor leaders to discuss over Manipur issue
Rajya Sabha chairman invites floor leaders to discuss over Manipur issue
While the Manipur issue continues to dishevel the
parliamentary proceedings, Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar on Thursday invited floor leaders for a meeting at 1pm for discussion.
Several MPs from INDIA bloc apparently gave notices in Rajya Sabha, seeking discussion over the Manipur issue at length under Rule 267 which allows for the suspension of rules on the day’s agenda to debate an urgent matter with the Chairman’s approval.
However, the Centre agreed to hold a short-duration discussion, on the issue, not exceeding more than two hours, under Rule 176, which the Opposition’s I.N.D.I.A bloc is objecting saying they want a “full meal discusison” and not just a toast and butter discussion of one-two hours.
Dhankhar asserted that the debate on Manipur violence under Rule 176 will not be restricted to 2.5 hours. There is no time limit for discussion on Manipur situation under Rule 176,” adding that the parties “will have full say”.
He further added that he is not required to defend PM Modi
Meanwhile, as Kharge questioned why the Chairman was defending PM Modi over the Opposition’s demand on Manipur debate, Dhankhar shot back that even following three decades of coalition governments in India, “you had 2014 and 2019 (Lok Sabha) electoral results” under the leadership of the prime minister. The PM is not required to be defended by him and he is not required to defend anyone. He is only required to defend the Constitution…your rights. Such an observation from LoP is not very wholesome.”
INDIA bloc MPs met President Murmu to discuss Manipur
Leaders of the opposition bloc INDIA on Wednesday met President Droupadi Murmu seeking her intervention to ensure the accountability of the government on the Manipur situation and restoration of peace in the state while pressing for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s statement in Parliament.
They also demanded that the prime minister visit the strife-torn state and make an appeal to the warring communities to end violence and promote brotherhood.
While addressing the media after meeting President Murmu, Kharge said the members of the delegation that included MPs who had recently visited Manipur apprised her of the situation in the state and shared what they saw in the affected areas.
A memorandum was submitted to the President as to how incidents of violence were continuing, especially atrocities against women and parading them naked. This was revealed to the media outside Rashtrapathi Bhawan. He was flanked by the opposition leaders.
News Edit K.V.Raman
