New Delhi, July 20, 2023
The Lok Sabha proceedings were adjourned until July 21 after the Congress-led opposition, along with other parties such as DMK, Left, and JD(U), staged protests demanding a discussion on the ongoing violence in Manipur and seeking Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s response on the matter in the Lower House.
As the Lower House session commenced at 2 p.m., opposition members, including those from Congress, DMK, Left, and JD(U), entered the well of the House, raising powerful slogans like “Manipur is burning!” and “PM come to the House!” They insisted on Prime Minister Modi addressing the issue of Manipur violence in the Lok Sabha.
Kirit Solanki, who was presiding over the session, permitted the laying of papers, but the opposition members continued to protest and create a ruckus in the well.
Even members of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and the lone newly elected Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP from Jalandhar, Sushil Kumar Rinku, expressed solidarity with the opposition and stood near their seats during the protest.
In response, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi assured that the government was ready to discuss the Manipur issue in the House at a time and date allotted by the Speaker. However, due to the continuous protests, Kirit Solanki adjourned the House for the day.
The opposition’s call for a discussion on the Manipur violence and the Prime Minister’s response reflects the escalating concern over the situation in the state. The Lok Sabha’s adjournment indicates that the matter remains a priority for the opposition, who seek a comprehensive discussion and prompt action on the issue.
