This Article is From Jul 31, 2023

"Opposition's Mindset As Black As...": N Sitharaman Hits Out Over Manipur

Parliament proceedings have been affected by the opposition's demand for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to speak on the Manipur ethnic conflict in parliament.

The government has listed 13 draft legislations for consideration and passing in Lok Sabha (File)

New Delhi: The Rajya Sabha saw chaotic scenes this afternoon as the impasse over the rule under which Manipur violence should be discussed dragged on for the eighth day. Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the opposition is not concerned about Manipur.

Here's your 10-point cheatsheet to this big story

  1. Ms Sitharaman said the opposition has been "changing goal posts" on the Manipur issue to evade a discussion in parliament. "The opposition's mindset is as black as the clothes they wore," she told reporters today. "This is a clear exposure of the hypocrisy of the opposition. By saying 'Manipur, Manipur', they have absolutely disturbed parliament's functioning."

  2. The opposition kept pressing for a discussion under Rule 267, which allows for a suspension of all other business in the House. Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar said the government was ready for a short duration discussion under Rule 176.

  3. The opposition MPs did not budge from their demand and the House saw repeated adjournments. Ever since the House met for Monsoon Session on July 20, multiple opposition MPs have been submitting notices for a discussion under Rule 267.

  4. The opposition has also demanded a statement by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the situation in the Northeastern state. Opposition MPs have criticised that the Prime Minister spoke to the media outside the House but did not address Parliament on the sensitive matter.

  5. The centre has said it is ready for a discussion and accused the Opposition of running away from a debate. Home Minister Amit Shah has said he is ready to address the house on the issue.

  6. "We want discussions on Manipur to take place in parliament today at 2 pm. They (opposition) are trying to misuse the liberty given to the members. The government is ready to discuss Manipur, but they (opposition) have already spoiled nine important days of the House," Union Minister and Leader of House in Rajya Sabha Piyush Goyal said.

  7. The opposition, adamant to get the Prime Minister speak on the issue, has also brought a no-confidence motion against the government in a last-ditch attempt. More drama in Parliament is expected this week as the government preps to introduce a bill to control Delhi bureaucrats.

  8. The Bill, which aims to replace the ordinance to control officers in the national capital, has emerged as a rallying point for the Opposition. Opposition parties that have united under the INDIA bloc are backing the Arvind Kejriwal government in its fight against the Bill.

  9. "This is the most undemocratic, illegal legislative exercise that is being done by the BJP, in the history of India's parliamentary democracy," AAP Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha said today, calling it an assault on the two crore people of Delhi.

  10. The government is adamant to push through its agenda for the session notwithstanding the Opposition protests. It has listed 13 draft legislations for consideration and passing in Lok Sabha even as the notice for the no-confidence motion is pending.



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