Opposition demands a statement from the PM; Cong says it is ‘too little, too late’ and demands the resignation of the CM.
Mallikarjun Kharge, president of the Congress, demanded the urgent resignation of Manipur’s chief minister, N Biren Singh, and the imposition of presidential rule in the state, alleging that the prime minister had abdicated his constitutional responsibilities.
On the first day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament, the Opposition criticised the government and disrupted proceedings over the Manipur video issue on Thursday. They demanded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi make a statement, followed by a discussion.
Mallikarjun Kharge, president of the Congress, demanded the urgent resignation of Manipur’s chief minister, N Biren Singh, and the imposition of presidential rule in the state, alleging that the prime minister had abdicated his constitutional responsibilities.
Senior party leader Rahul Gandhi stated, “Prime Minister, the problem is not that it is a national disgrace. The problem is the extreme suffering and trauma endured by the women of Manipur. Stop the violence at once!”
P Chidambaram, leader of the Congress, stated that the “first thing the PM should do is to dismiss the discredited government of Biren Singh and impose President’s Rule” in Manipur.
The “barbaric act” was condemned across party lines by leaders in the Opposition. Earlier in the day, floor leaders of various Opposition parties convened in the office of the Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, and decided not to back down from their demand for a statement by the Prime Minister in Parliament.
Kharge, taking aim at Modi, stated, “We want a detailed discussion on Manipur, and PM Modi should make an elaborate statement in the House,” he said.
The Congress characterised Modi’s statement as “too little, too late”. Noting that the PM “finally spoke” on Manipur for “a grand total of 30 seconds” after “more than 1,800 hours of an incomprehensible and unforgivable silence,” Congress communications head Jairam Ramesh stated that the PM attempted to divert attention from the “colossal governance failures and the humanitarian tragedy in Manipur by equating crimes against women in other states, especially those governed by the Opposition while ignoring atrocities on women in states
The chief minister of Manipur stated that it took 15 days to file an FIR against unidentified individuals, and today, 64 days later, he claimed that arrests have been made. Ramesh remarked, “It’s too little, too late…. The Prime Minister and Home Secretary cannot avoid responsibility. The Prime Minister should resign forthwith.”
The provisions of Rule 267, according to the leader of the TMC, Derek O’Brien, are clear: “Any rule may be suspended in its application to a motion to the day’s business before the Council…the rule in question shall be suspended for the time being.” He stated, “no other business may be discussed until 267 is first discussed…where does 176 fit into this?” There is no number 176. It’s at 267. We desire a discussion on Manipur here…”
M K Stalin, chief minister of Tamil Nadu, stated, “Absolutely heartbroken and appalled by the agonising violence perpetrated against women in Manipur. Where is our national conscience? Delhi’s chief minister and AAP leader, Arvind Kejriwal, stated, “A leader leads by example. Whenever a critical issue such as Manipur concerns our nation, the Prime Minister is perceived to be silent and absent. This is indicative of a feeble leader…”
SP chief Akhilesh Yadav attributed the situation in Manipur to the “hate policy” of the RSS and the vote-bank politics of the BJP.
