Last week, Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi, representing the opposition parties of the I.N.D.I.A alliance, took a significant step by filing a no confidence motion against the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The motion’s primary aim is to exert pressure on the Prime Minister to address the alarming situation of violence in Manipur.
Upon reviewing the support for the motion, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla acknowledged its submission and expressed his intent to schedule a discussion on the matter. “I will discuss with the leaders of all parties and inform you of an appropriate time to take this up for discussion,” said the Speaker.
However, the Narendra Modi government enjoys robust support in the Lok Sabha, with at least 332 MPs backing it. As a result, the no-confidence motion poses virtually no threat to the government’s stability. Despite the anticipated number test failure, the opposition parties are determined to utilize this motion as a means to pressure the Prime Minister into addressing the issues in Manipur.
In response to the government’s proposal that Union Home Minister Amit Shah will address the Manipur issue in Parliament, the opposition parties have been insistent on a comprehensive discussion in both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, along with a statement from the Prime Minister himself.
The gravity of the situation in Manipur prompted Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge to approach President Droupadi Murmu on behalf of the opposition parties, seeking time to discuss the matter. A delegation of 21 opposition MPs visited the strife-torn state and interacted with leaders of the INDIA alliance to gain insights into the ground reality. The delegation’s visit included meetings with people residing in relief camps in both the hills and the valley, allowing them to witness the extent of the crisis firsthand.
Congress leader in the Lok Sabha, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, who was part of the opposition delegation to Manipur, described the situation in the state as “grave.” The opposition’s determination to raise the issue through the no confidence motion highlights the significance of addressing the pressing concerns surrounding the Manipur violence in the highest legislative forum.
As the discussion on the no-confidence motion looms, all eyes remain on the government’s response and the potential impact it may have on addressing the urgent challenges in Manipur.