Amid Opposition demands over Manipur violence discussion Rajya Sabha faces another adjournment

The Rajya Sabha adjourned for the second time on Tuesday, with the opposition insisting on a full discussion of the Manipur violence and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s statement on it.

The Opposition leaders reiterated their demand shortly after the House reconvene at 12 noon following the earlier recess. Even when opposition members raised shouts in favor of their demand, Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar continued with Question Hour. The Chairman instructed the protesting members to keep order because Question Hour is important to the operation of Parliament.

“We will have to have zero tolerance for lack of decorum,” he said.

Dhankhar previously complained to Congress leader P Chidambaram’s “how can you do it” remarks, calling them “extreme and intemperate.” Chidambaram stated that he was referring to the Chair’s earlier remarks and meant no disrespect.

Congress leaders Randeep Singh Surjewala and P. Chidambaram requested a discussion on the Manipur matter under Rule 267, claiming that over 50 notifications had been issued.

Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of the Opposition, questioned why the administration is not prepared to debate the Manipur matter when 50 members had given notice under Rule 267 today and similar notices have been submitted for the last four days.

He also alluded to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s jab at the opposition over the INDIA alliance by bringing up the East India Company while failing to address the Manipur violence in Parliament.

“So many representatives are giving notices under 267 in Parliament. We are talking about Manipur, but the Prime Minister is talking about East India Company,” Kharge alleged.