From Our Bureau
NEW DELHI:The first day of the monsoon session of Parliament was on Thursday washed out in both the Houses by the Manipur situation as the Opposition created a ruckus in both the Houses to suspend all business and discuss it instead of a short discussion on such a major issue.
The Opposition wanted the Prime Minister to state his government’s position in the two Houses instead of his remarks outside on Thursday before start of the session. The impasse may continue on Friday unless Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and Rajya Sabha chairman Jagdeep Dhankar intervene.
Union Minister Piyush Goyal asserted as leader of House in the Rajya Sabha that the government is ready to discuss Manipur as a short duration discussion that was opposed by the opposition parties led by Mallikarjun Kharge and Trinamul Congress leader Derek O’Brien insisting on suspending all business and hold a full-fledged discussion on Manipur.
The Rajya Sabha was adjourned to 2 pm and then for the day. The Lok Sabha too witnessed the opposition members protesting in the well when the House assembled at 2 pm with Dr Kirit Solanki in the chair. He wanted Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi to respond.
Joshi reiterated Defence Minister Rajnath Singh agreeing on a discussion on Manipur and went a step further in the Lok Sabha that the Prime Minister will reply to the debate. The opposition members continued their protests in the House well, insisting on immediate debate. Ultimately, the Lok Sabha was adjourned first for the day, followed by Chairman Jagdeep Dhankar also adjourning for Friday.
