NEW DELHI: During a session in the Rajya Sabha, Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar stated clearly that he cannot issue a directive to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, despite opposition leaders pressing for a statement from him regarding the Manipur issue.
The opposition leaders, who were insistent on discussing the ethnic violence in Manipur under Rule 267 of Rajya Sabha, eventually staged a walkout in protest when their request was not granted.
Rule 267 permits the suspension of the listed business for the day to make way for a discussion on a topic proposed by a member.
Soon after the listed papers were tabled, Dhankhar informed that he had received 58 notices under Rule 267, all demanding a discussion on the unrest in Manipur. However, he chose not to accept these notices, citing that they were not in order.
As opposition members chanted slogans, Dhankhar gave the floor to Leader of Opposition and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge.
Kharge, in his notice, outlined eight key points explaining why the Manipur issue should be discussed under Rule 267, and emphasized that the Prime Minister should address the House. He also presented the number of casualties and injuries resulting from the violence.
In response, Dhankhar commented that while the floor was given to the leader of opposition, he did not utilize the opportunity to its fullest extent.
This led to further protests from the opposition, demanding the presence of the Prime Minister in the House. However, the Chair did not concede to their demands.
Dhankhar asserted, "I had unequivocally indicated that, on a proper constitutional premise and precedent, I cannot issue a directive for the Prime Minister's presence. Such a directive has never been issued from this Chair and will not be issued. If the Prime Minister chooses to come, like any other member, it is his prerogative."
Amidst the uproar, the Chair proceeded with the scheduled Zero Hour.
With the Chair's refusal to accept their demand, the opposition leaders decided to walk out.
Dhankhar clarified that their walkout was not from the House, but rather a stance on "constitutional obligation" and "performance of duty for the people."
Earlier, Dhankhar addressed a certain section of the media, clarifying that the time allocated for a short-duration discussion on Manipur under Rule 176 was not limited to two-and-a-half hours, contrary to their impression.
He reiterated that there was no time constraint for discussions under Rule 176.
The government had agreed to hold a discussion on the Manipur issue under Rule 176.
The short-duration discussion on the law and order situation and related issues in Manipur, along with the government's measures to restore normalcy in the state, was initially scheduled for July 31. However, it could not take place due to opposition protests.
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