New Delhi: Bharatiya Janata Party MP Jagannath Sarkar reaffirmed the government's readiness to engage in a constructive discussion concerning the situation in Manipur within the Parliament.
However, the anti-BJP coalition, led by INDIA, has been causing a commotion within the House. Recently, Congress Party MP Gaurav Gogoi tabled a no-confidence motion against the Government, which was promptly accepted by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. He assured that the motion's discussion would take place after consultations with leaders from all parties.
Regarding the Opposition's demand for discussion, Jagannath Sarkar stated, "We are prepared for it. The Home Minister has expressed his willingness to extend the discussion for as long as the Opposition desires. However, it's puzzling why they insist on Prime Minister Modi speaking first. The Prime Minister has already addressed the issue outside the Parliament and will share his thoughts within when necessary."
"But the Opposition persists in causing a ruckus...They lack the numbers in the Lok Sabha," added the BJP MP.
Simultaneously, floor leaders from various opposition parties are scheduled to meet the Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, to address pressing concerns.
As a sign of protest against the Manipur issue, all MPs from the INDIA alliance plan to wear black attire in Parliament.
The Congress, in conjunction with Telangana's Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), part of the newly formed INDIA opposition alliance, filed two separate no-confidence motions against the government.
However, the BSP, not a participant in the INDIA alliance, might choose to abstain from voting.
The decision to present a no-confidence motion was taken during a meeting of the opposition INDIA alliance on Tuesday.
Furthermore, the Congress party issued a three-line whip urging its MPs to be present in the Rajya Sabha on the designated day.
In a similar vein, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) also issued a whip for its Rajya Sabha members, requesting their presence in Parliament on July 27-28.
Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal assured that the government remains "ready" for any situation. He expressed, "Let the No Confidence Motion come; the Government is prepared for every scenario. We do want a discussion on Manipur. Initially, they demanded a discussion before the session commenced. When we agreed, they raised the issue of Rules. Once we reached an agreement on Rules, they brought up a new matter, insisting on the Prime Minister initiating the discussion. I believe these are mere excuses," Meghwal remarked on Wednesday.
Throughout the Monsoon Session, which began on July 20, Opposition members have steadfastly demanded a discussion and a statement from PM Modi on the Manipur situation. They insist that all previously scheduled or listed businesses in both Houses be set aside to prioritize the Manipur issue's deliberation.
Congress Calls Meeting of Lok Sabha MPs; Opposition Proposes No-Confidence Motion
Lok Sabha adjourned till 2 pm amid protests over Manipur issue