Manipur issue rocks Rajya Sabha again; Opposition MPs of INDIA bloc stage walkout
New Delhi, August 2: Members of the Opposition from the I.N.D.I.A bloc walked out of the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday to press for their demands for a discussion on Manipur violence under Rule 267 and a statement from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
As the House convened for the day, Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar made an announcement stating that the debate on the Manipur violence under Rule 176 would not be confined to a 2.5-hour limit. He emphasised that there would be no time constraint for discussing the situation in Manipur under Rule 176, ensuring that all parties would have ample time to express their views and have a comprehensive discussion on the matter.
Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar informed the House that 60 notices had been submitted under Rule 267, calling for a discussion on the Manipur violence. However, he had already conveyed his decision regarding the matter.
In response to the Opposition's demand for the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the House during the debate on Manipur, the Chairman said he did not have the authority to issue such a directive. “Directive from the Chair cannot be issued. I can’t give that directive. I shall not,” he said.
Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge said he had given notice for discussion under Rule 267 and other opposition MPs also pressed over their demand.
Dhankhar said he gave the floor to the Leader of Opposition, but the opportunity “was not wholesomely utilised".
The Congress and other Opposition parties staged a walkout against the stance of the government on their demand, which they have been raising since the beginning of the monsoon session of Parliament on July 20. Congress and 25 other opposition parties have joined hands to form I.N.D.I.A bloc.
- ANI
