In a dramatic start to the monsoon session on July 20, Prime Minister Narendra Modi finally addressed the ongoing ethnic clashes in Manipur. However, his ’36-second’ statement has not appeased the opposition, igniting demands for the Prime Minister to elaborate on the issue inside both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. The session, scheduled to run until August 11, has witnessed significant unrest as the 26-party opposition bloc, known as INDIA, continues its overnight protest on the fourth day.
Since the first week of May, Manipur has been grappling with a series of ethnic clashes, leading to a tense situation in the region. The silence of the central government on this critical matter had drawn widespread criticism, prompting the opposition to press for a more comprehensive and detailed explanation from PM Modi himself. Their refusal to back down from the protest indicates the seriousness of the situation and the urgency for a substantial response.
As Tuesday marked the fourth day of the monsoon session, the opposition MPs remained steadfast in their demand for the Prime Minister’s statement. They argue that the crisis in Manipur demands a more proactive and accountable approach from the government, and they will not cease their efforts until their concerns are adequately addressed. Adding fuel to the fire, the suspension of AAP’s Sanjay Singh from Rajya Sabha has further complicated matters. Singh was suspended by House Chair and Vice President, Jagdeep Dhankhar, on Monday, denying him access to the remainder of the session.
The opposition sees this as an attempt to silence dissenting voices and has rallied around Singh, incorporating his suspension as part of their protests. The monsoon session, which is a critical period for discussing and passing legislation, has been marred by this persistent standoff. While the opposition aims to bring the Manipur crisis to the forefront of the government’s agenda, the government contends that a 36-second statement is sufficient and accuses the opposition of stalling the session’s proceedings. The ongoing impasse between the government and the opposition highlights the deep-rooted political divisions in the country.
With public sentiment growing increasingly concerned about the Manipur situation, there is mounting pressure on both sides to find common ground and enable meaningful discussions in Parliament. As the monsoon session enters its second week, all eyes are on the Prime Minister and the opposition leaders to resolve their differences and create a conducive environment for parliamentary proceedings. The nation waits in anticipation for a comprehensive response from the government, hoping for a peaceful resolution to the Manipur crisis and a productive legislative session ahead.