Sitharaman Says Opposition's Mindset As Dark As Night On Manipur Issue

Monsoon session in the Rajya Sabha witnessed chaotic scenes as the standoff regarding the rule under which the Manipur violence should be discussed continued for the eighth consecutive day. Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman expressed her dismay over the opposition's lack of concern for the Manipur issue.

Sitharaman accused the opposition of constantly shifting the goalposts to avoid a discussion in parliament on the Manipur matter. She went on to criticize their actions, stating, "The opposition's mindset is as dark as the clothes they wore," addressing reporters today. She asserted that the opposition's behavior revealed their hypocrisy and their attempts to disrupt the functioning of parliament by incessantly chanting "Manipur, Manipur."

The opposition persisted in demanding a discussion under Rule 267, which allows for the suspension of all other business in the House. However, Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar stated that the government was prepared for a short duration discussion under Rule 176.

Despite the government's readiness to address the issue, the opposition MPs remained unyielding, leading to repeated adjournments of the House. Since the Monsoon Session began on July 20, multiple opposition MPs have been submitting notices for a discussion under Rule 267.

The opposition also demanded a statement from Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the situation in the Northeastern state. They criticized the Prime Minister for addressing the media outside the House but not Parliament, regarding the sensitive matter.

The central government refuted the opposition's accusations, stating that it is fully prepared for a discussion and accused the opposition of evading a debate. Home Minister Amit Shah expressed his willingness to address the House on the issue.

"We want discussions on Manipur to take place in parliament today at 2 pm. They (opposition) are trying to misuse the liberty given to the members. The government is ready to discuss Manipur, but they (opposition) have already wasted nine important days of the House," said Union Minister and Leader of the House in Rajya Sabha, Piyush Goyal.

The opposition, determined to have the Prime Minister speak on the issue, has also brought a no-confidence motion against the government in a last-ditch effort. More drama is expected in Parliament this week as the government plans to introduce a bill to control Delhi bureaucrats.

This Bill, aimed at replacing the ordinance to govern officers in the national capital, has become a rallying point for the Opposition. Opposition parties united under the INDIA bloc are supporting the Arvind Kejriwal government in its fight against the Bill.

Describing it as an assault on the two crore people of Delhi, AAP Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha today called the proposed legislation "the most undemocratic, illegal legislative exercise by the BJP in the history of India's parliamentary democracy."

Despite the Opposition protests, the government is determined to push through its agenda for the session. It has listed 13 draft legislations for consideration and passing in the Lok Sabha, even as the notice for the no-confidence motion remains pending.