Prahlad Joshi, Parliamentary Affairs Minister
The opposition unity is aggressively asking for a discussion on the ongoing riots in the North-Eastern state of Manipur. Finally, the ruling government is ready to discuss on the matter. The discussion will include various other matters of concern in the monsoon session. The deliberations will take place over the topics that are approved by the Chair. While the opposition is asking for discussion on the Manipur riots, they also expect a statement from the Prime Minister – Narendra Modi. However, the government has already stated that the statement from PM Modi on the issue was a “caveat for creating disruption”.
“All parties have been demanding a discussion on Manipur. The government is ready for a discussion on Manipur whenever the Rajya Sabha Chairman and Lok Sabha Speaker decide a date and time,” Prahlad Joshi, Parliamentary Affairs minister said after the customary meeting chaired by defense minister Rajnath Singh.
Warning from Congress Party for Monsoon Session
The minister made his remarks as Congress warned that if the government did not consent to a discussion on the Manipur conflict and a statement from the prime minister, House procedures could be affected. It stated that the unified opposition, INDIA, demands a discussion on Manipur.
Congress spokesman Jairam Ramesh tweeted, “Will the Modi Government allow for a discussion on the continuing horrific tragedy which is destroying the delicate social fabric of Manipur? Will the PM break his silence and take the nation into confidence on the way forward towards reconciliation? Debate alone is not enough. Parliament is the forum for PM’s Manipur ki Baat. This is a non-negotiable demand of INDIA.”
Tomorrow Parliament’s monsoon session will start and it will end on Aug 11th. Will the Modi Govt allow for a discussion on the continuing horrific tragedy which is destroying the delicate social fabric of Manipur? Will the PM break his silence and take the nation into confidence…
— Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) July 19, 2023
What all scheduled for the Monsoon session of Parliament
The Delhi Services legislation has also been under attack from opposition members, as have discussions about food security in Karnataka, ED action against Tamil Nadu ministers, price increases, the Balasore train catastrophe, and border concerns.
After the all-party meeting, Congress’ leader in Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury also said, “Our demand is that there is the issue of Manipur which must be discussed. We want to bring an adjournment motion (for discussion) tomorrow (Thursday) as the situation in Manipur is deteriorating.”
“If the ruling party wants to run Parliament then it must give space to issues raised by the opposition,” he said.
