“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,” Joshi said after the customary meeting chaired by defence minister Rajnath Singh. Joshi made it clear that the home ministry was the nodal ministry on the issue of the northeastern state.
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Monsoon session: Congress to raise Manipur situation, price rise & Adani JPC probe in Parliament
The minister’s comments came as Congress lobbed a warning that House proceedings may be hit if the government does not agree to a discussion on Manipur strife, with a statement from the PM. It said debate on Manipur is a demand of the joint opposition, INDIA.
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.”
Opposition members have also been pressing for withdrawal of the Delhi Services ordinance, discussion on issues related to Karnataka food security, ED action against Tamil Nadu ministers, price rise, train accident at Balasore and challenges on the border.
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.
At the meeting, BJD member Sasmit Patra said the party pitched for parliamentary nod for women reservation in legislatures and also special category status for Odisha. YSR Congress and Bharat Rashtra Samithi also wanted the Women’s Reservation Bill to be passed by Parliament.
Shiv Sena leader Rahul Shewale hoped that the government would bring a bill on Uniform Civil Code in the country.
However, Indian Union Muslim League leader E T Mohammad Basheer asked the government to desist on any move on the UCC.
Watch Monsoon session: Government ready to discuss all issues including Manipur, says Pralhad Joshi