New Delhi : The ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament may witness further disruptions as the ruckus and war of words between the Treasury and Opposition over the situation in violence-scarred Manipur is expected to stall proceedings in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha on Friday.

Members of the grand Opposition alliance, I.N.D.I.A, have been persistent in their demand for setting aside all listed businesses in both Houses to prioritize a discussion on the Manipur situation. They are also seeking a statement from Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the current state of affairs in the Northeastern state. Additionally, the Opposition is likely to push for a date to conduct the voting on the previously filed no-confidence motion against the Centre, tabled by Congress Lok Sabha MP Gaurav Gogoi.

The proceedings on Thursday were marked by stormy scenes as the Treasury and Opposition traded barbs during a discussion on the no-confidence motion. Most Opposition members wore black clothes in protest against the alleged denial of a discussion on Manipur and the postponement of the debate on the motion. In Rajya Sabha, noisy scenes ensued from the beginning of the proceedings as the Opposition demanded a discussion on Manipur under Rule 287.

Key Highlights:

• Members of the Opposition alliance, I.N.D.I.A, demand a discussion on the Manipur situation and a statement from PM Narendra Modi.
• Opposition to push for setting a date for voting on the no-confidence motion against the Centre.
• Stormy scenes witnessed during the discussion on the no-confidence motion on Thursday.
• Opposition members protested by wearing black clothes in both Houses.
• Rajya Sabha passed the Cinematograph (Amendment) Bill, 2023, in the absence of Opposition members who walked out over the Manipur issue.
• Both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha adjourned for the day after the passage of bills.

Opposition’s Stand:

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s statement on ‘Latest Developments in Foreign Policy’ faced interruptions from the Opposition. The Leader of the House in Rajya Sabha, Piyush Goyal, criticized the symbolic protest of Opposition members wearing black clothes and stated that their future is “black.” The Chairman adjourned the House amid the noise.

Proceedings on Thursday:

The Rajya Sabha passed the Cinematograph (Amendment) Bill, 2023, in the absence of Opposition members who staged a walkout over the Manipur violence issue. In Lok Sabha, the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2023, was passed after the House resumed at 3 pm, amidst Opposition sloganeering over the Manipur issue.

Expectations for Friday:

Ahead of the seventh day of the Monsoon Session, several Opposition leaders moved notices in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, seeking debates on the Manipur issue. Congress MP Manickam Tagore moved an Adjournment Motion Notice in Lok Sabha demanding a discussion on the Manipur situation, while RJP MP Manoj Kumar Jha moved Suspension of Business Notices under Rule 267 in Rajya Sabha, seeking suspension of all other business listed for the day for a discussion on the state of affairs in Manipur.

Other Agenda Items:

In addition to the Manipur issue, the Rajya Sabha will also table reports related to securing representation of OBCs in employment and their welfare in various departments. Apna Dal MP Anupriya Singh Patel is scheduled to make a statement on the status of implementation of recommendations/observations contained in the 174th Report of the Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Commerce on Demands for Grants (2022-23).

Schedule: