NEW DELHI: In order to exert more pressure on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to speak in Parliament over the Manipur violence, Rajya Sabha MP Derek O’Brien of TMC on Tuesday asked him to “be inspired” by former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee who had spoken several times in the Upper House.
In a tweet, O’Brien said, “Mr Narendra Modi, why don't you be inspired by Mr Atal Bihari Vajpayee and come speak inside Parliament?”
The leader of TMC in the Rajya Sabha quoted data from a policy research organisation which mentioned the seven instances when former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee intervened on crucial issues in the Rajya Sabha.
He said Vajpayee spoke in July 2000 on the resignation of law minister, in August 2000 on India's foreign policy with Pakistan, in August 2001 on Unit Trust of India controversy, in November 2001 on the Women's Reservation Bill, in May 2002 on violence in Gujarat, in March 2003 on the situation in Iraq and finally in July 2003 on Public Distribution System (PDS).
The TMC leader said, "Mr @narendramodi, you are not listening to the INDIA parties or former PMs from @INCIndia. Maybe Mr Vajpayee's track record will inspire you to come and speak in Parliament.”
The opposition in the Rajya Sabha has been demanding suspension of business and holding of long duration discussion under Rule 276 on the ongoing ethnic strife in the northeastern state of Manipur since May 3.
Moreover, they are also demanding that Modi make the opening remarks before the discussion will start.
However, there is a friction between the opposition and the treasury benches over the mode of discussion. The government has agreed to hold a short duration discussion under Rule 176. Moreover, it has not acceded to the demand of the opposition for the PM to make the opening remarks.
Lok Sabha speaker Om Birla has already indicated that the matter pertains to law and order and the concerned minister of home affairs Amit Shah is ready for the discussion.
The Upper House had agreed to hold discussion on July 31 itself. However, due to the strident approach adopted by the opposition, the discussion could not start. The House witnessed noisy scenes also on Tuesday and a discussion could not be held.
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