NEW DELHI: The opposition has made a major climb down over its demand for discussion on Manipur violence in the Rajya Sabha. However, the government does not seem to be in a hurry to oblige them.
For the second day on Friday, the opposition clearly stated that they are ready for a “middle path” on the ongoing ethnic violence in BJP-ruled Manipur since May 3. However, the treasury benches countered the opposition with their demand to hold discussion on the alleged atrocities against women in Congress-ruled Rajasthan.
With the two sides raising slogans in support of their respective demands, chairperson Jagdeep Dhankhar adjourned the House till 11 am on Monday.
Soon after the adjournment of the Rajya Sabha, Congress general secretary in-charge of communications Jairam Ramesh, in a tweet, reiterated the opposition’s fresh stand of having adopted a “middle path” on Manipur.
He said, “Yesterday, INDIA parties offered a middle path solution to the Modi government to enable the smooth functioning of the Rajya Sabha. We said let us have a mutually negotiated motion on Manipur under Rule 167 and start a discussion on it. Modi government appeared to agree but indicated that the earliest that the discussion could take place was only on Friday, August 11. This shows the government is not serious.”
Ramesh, who is also a Rajya Sabha MP, further said, “The discussion should ideally have taken place today for which INDIA parties were ready or very soon – on Monday or Tuesday. We are very serious about the middle path, finding a solution, but clearly the Modi government is not. So much for our sincere efforts.”
On August 3, Ramesh had said INDIA parties have offered a middle path solution to the leader of the house Piyush Goyal to break the logjam and get a discussion on Manipur going in an uninterrupted manner in the Rajya Sabha. “Hope the Modi government agrees,” he said.
Leader of TMC in Rajya Sabha Derek O'Brien too changed his consistent stance on demand for discussion on the Manipur violence. Like the Congress, earlier he had also been demanding that Prime Minister Narendra Modi make the opening remarks on Manipur followed by a long duration discussion under Rule 267.
However, he too piped down over the matter. “INDIA parties in Rajya Sabha want a discussion on #Manipur. We have no ego or arrogance. Manipur needs healing. INDIA parties don’t believe in roadblocks. We've offered a concrete ‘Middle Path’ solution. We remain optimistic that the government will accept it.”
While addressing Dhankhar in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday, Derek adopted a conciliatory approach and said, “Sir, we fully understand what you have said about the procedural matter. Our emergency notices which have been given are under Rule 267 and you are looking at some other sections of the rules. Sir, without getting into the procedural matter and without going into the nitty-gritty, we do believe that Rule 267 supersedes all other rules. That is the main thing. So, all the notices under Rule 267 that you have received today supersede any other notice under Rule 167.”
He further said, “But, that is not the issue, Sir. The issue is, the people of this country want to hear us on Manipur. We, as an opposition – all of us, including our respected leader – want this discussion on Manipur. We are not here to show ego or arrogance. Sir, I would appeal, through you, to the leader of the house (Piyush Goyal). Manipur needs care, needs healing, needs to listen to the voice of consolation. I would appeal to the leader of the house, through you, let us find a solution. Let us find a solution because this logjam is helping nobody. We will suggest through you, Sir, Manipur will have to be discussed, for six hours or for eight hours. Let us discuss it in the spirit of one nation.”
Dhankhar, who has been at pains to conduct the House in a peaceful and cordial atmosphere seized the opportunity. He said, “I want to say that the honourable member has raised a very valid point and, as a matter of fact, it is very wholesome. It has reminded all of us that we must get into a way forward because discussion on Manipur is imperative and in the heart of hearts, everyone wants it.”
He reminded the House that he had acceded to the notice under Rule 176 at the very first instance and the government also had promptly agreed for a discussion. He had fixed, in consultation with Goyal, date and time and the supplementary list of business was drawn.
He said he had indicated that there would be a two-and-a-half hours' short duration discussion but the time limit will not apply. He had indicated that he will allocate as much time as all segments of the House need to avail for making an input.
Dhankhar regretted that the opportunity did not fructify. “I do not wish to engage in blame game. We, in this House, have to set an example for every theatre of legislature in the country too. So, in a sense, I am happy that an honourable member of this House has focused on a very substantive aspect, that we need to discuss, debate and engage into dialogue on Manipur.”
The chairperson turned to Goyal who also conceded that Manipur has always been a very sensitive issue for all sections of the House. He said the government has been very proactive in its actions. He said the House must have a wholesome debate on the subject. The House must send out a message appealing for peace. “All of us should work collectively towards peace and stability and bring back that healing touch to Manipur,” he said.
Goyal thanked Derek for showing readiness to have a debate in the House but talked about the constraints in holding an early discussion.
He said, “We also believe that we must run the House in a proper, orderly manner. Ultimately, we cannot have a situation where we have a discussion, but, yet we continue to disturb the House; we cannot have a situation when the honourable home minister rises to give his response to this very sensitive issue and lay down the contexts and the actions that were taken.
“I think, we are all agreeable that there should be a discussion on Manipur, the government will be very happy. I will take the convenience of the honourable home minister, when he will be able to discuss in the House,” he said.
Goyal, who is also the commerce minister, said as the business is listed, the government will have to see when the date for it can be slotted into. “But, I can assure you, Sir, that this government, from day one, has been keen for a debate on Manipur. We stand with the people of Manipur. We believe that a good debate is in the interest of all sections of society in the country.”
He said there are very important bills before the House. “Today, we have three bills listed, each one of them is important, and we would like to ensure the participation of all the members. Now it is Thursday already, tomorrow is private members' day and on Monday, we will have the business that is being passed in the Lok Sabha today coming before the House. We can have a healthy discussion, if we can debate and have a dialogue, and may the best course of action prevail. If we can continue to work in an orderly fashion in the next few days, then, I think, that will give a very good message to the country. The past can be left behind us. Let us look to the future with positivity.”
However, despite Goyal’s assurance, the House witnessed unruly scenes on Friday. While the opposition insisted on a discussion on Manipur violence, the treasury benches demanded a discussion on atrocities against women in Rajasthan.
With nothing audible due to the din, Dhankhar adjourned the House for the day. A discussion on Manipur now will be possible only in the next week, towards the fag end of the monsoon session of Parliament which is scheduled to culminate on August 11.
