New Delhi: In a significant move, the Congress’s Lok Sabha Deputy and prominent leader from North East, Gaurav Gogoi, has initiated a No Confidence Motion against the PM Modi government. This marks the first such motion in the past 20 years. The opposition alliance INDIA has shown solidarity in this decision, intending to utilize the ensuing debate to highlight the pressing issue of ethnic violence in Manipur. Their goal is to put pressure on the government to address the issue not by engaging with the Union Home Minister but, through discussions, in Parliament.
Acknowledging the gravity of the motion, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has accepted it and assured that sufficient time will be allocated for its discussion. However, the Congress party is insisting that the debate should take place on Thursday itself.
The ongoing monsoon session of Parliament has been overshadowed by disruptions as the opposition strongly insists on Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressing the matter with a statement. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, on Thursday, urged suspended AAP Rajya Sabha member Sanjay Singh to modify his protest strategy. Kharge advised Singh that the sit-in should begin when the day’s proceedings commence and conclude when both Houses adjourn for the day.
The disruptions have been a recurring theme since the start of the Monsoon session on July 20. Singh has expressed his willingness to follow Kharge’s suggestion and act in accordance with the opposition bloc.
In a display of solidarity, Kharge, along with other Congress members and opposition parties, joined Singh’s protest when the suggestion was made. The situation remains tense as the opposition continues to assert its stance on seeking accountability from the government on the issue of ethnic violence in Manipur.