INDIA corners PM on Manipur

NewDelhi: The Lok Sabha on Tuesday witnessed a showdown between the Opposition and the NDA government as it began a debate on the no-confidence motion against PM Modi-led Centre over ethnic violence in Manipur.

The debate, which will continue till August 10, was kicked off by Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi from the Opposition side. Right off the bat, the Opposition tried to corner PM Modi over the Manipur situation and questioned his silence on the issue.

Interestingly, it was Rahul Gandhi who was supposed to initiate the debate. However, he didn't speak on Tuesday with sources hinting that the Congress leader will make his speech on the day Modi responds to the charges.

"This no-confidence motion is our compulsion. This was never about numbers but about seeking justice for Manipur. Opposition alliance was clear, it wanted PM Modi to make a statement on Manipur in House but he chose to be silent," Gogoi said.

BJP MP Nishikant Dubey, who started the debate from the government's side, took the attack to the Opposition by mocking their newly-formed bloc called INDIA and slammed the alliance for targeting a "poor person's son".

"What happened in Manipur is shameful. I demand the Chief Minister should resign immediately. Can you allow this to happen and shame the women of this country? Ask your conscience how you can support this government. How can you allow this?" NCP MP Supriya Sule said.

The debate witnessed attacks and counter-attacks from both sides throughout the day until the House was adjourned till 11 am on Wednesday.

Treasury defence

During the debate, BJP MPs put up a staunch defence of the government and lashed out at the Opposition alliance.

Taking a swipe at the opposition parties, BJP MP Nishikant Dubey said that they were fighting among themselves and call themselves INDIA. He claimed that if one asks the full form of the acronym INDIA to opposition leaders, very few will be able to elaborate.

Union minister Kiren Rijiju said in the Lok Sabha that Congress and other Opposition parties have brought the no-confidence motion against at a "wrong time and in a wrong manner."

The minister said that at a time when Prime Minister Modi has emerged as the world leader and the country was marching ahead to become a developed nation by 2047, there was no need for such a motion against the government.

Rijiju attributed the current problems in Manipur to the negligent attitude of the previous Congress governments. He also urged the members not to speak against the country in foreign universities as it only supports the domestic eco-system which is against India.

Parliamentary affairs minister Pralhad Joshi wondered why Gandhi's name as lead speaker for no-trust motion was withdrawn at last minute. The BJD, which is a neutral party, also sided with the government during the debate and lambasted the Opposition for targeting PM Modi.