GUWAHATI: The Monsoon Session of Parliament resumed on Monday, witnessing heated scenes as the united Opposition alliance reiterated its demand for a suo moto statement from Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the ongoing Manipur violence before any other discussions. In response, the ruling BJP countered the demand by raising charges of atrocities against women in Opposition-ruled states.
The day began with Opposition MPs staging a protest on the Parliament premises, seeking a statement from PM Modi on the Manipur issue. Simultaneously, ruling BJP MPs staged a counter-protest at the Gandhi Statue, highlighting atrocities against women and Dalits in Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh.
Rajya Sabha MPs and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders, Raghav Chadha and Sanjay Singh, gave a notice to suspend business in Parliament to discuss the deteriorating law and order situation in Manipur. Congress MP and senior leader, Manish Tewari, had also given a notice for an adjournment motion in the Lok Sabha to discuss the "ethnic clashes taking place in Manipur."
BSP supremo Mayawati expressed concern over the lack of discussion in Parliament regarding the ongoing violence in Manipur, stating that it could further aggravate the situation in the state.
Congress Lok Sabha MP, Manish Tewari, emphasised that PM Narendra Modi should make a comprehensive statement on Manipur in both Houses of Parliament, followed by a debate under Rule 184 in Lok Sabha and Rule 267 in Rajya Sabha. He asserted that it is imperative for the Prime Minister, who has addressed the Manipur issue outside Parliament, to address it within the legislative body and explain the reasons behind the current impasse.
As Opposition MPs raised placards and slogans demanding PM Modi's statement on the Manipur violence, the Lok Sabha witnessed scenes of ruckus. Consequently, the Rajya Sabha was adjourned till 2 pm due to the standoff between the government and the Opposition over the Manipur issue.
Opposition leaders, including Congress president and Rajya Sabha MP Mallikarjun Kharge, participated in the protest inside Parliament, demanding the Prime Minister's statement on the ongoing Manipur violence.
Reacting to the situation, Samajwadi Party (SP) MP Jaya Bachchan expressed disappointment that Manipur was not being discussed enough in India, despite international attention to the matter. She also criticised the government for discussing issues in states where they face strong opposition while remaining silent on the states they govern.
Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor accused the BJP of "misusing" the suffering of women in Manipur to engage in "whataboutery" by citing attacks on women in Opposition-ruled states.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi highlighted the opposition parties' demands, which include a statement from PM Modi in Parliament, the resignation of Manipur's Chief Minister, and the formation of an all-party delegation to visit Manipur.