Parliament session: Rajya Sabha chairman invites floor leaders to discuss Manipur today, says ‘not defending PM Modi…’

As the Manipur issue continues to disrupt the parliamentary proceedings, Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar on Thursday invited floor leaders for a meeting today at 1pm to find a way forward for discussion.

Apparently, several MPs from INDIA bloc gave notices in Rajya Sabha, seeking a discussion on the Manipur issue at length under Rule 267. Rule 267 of Rajya Sabha allows for the suspension of rules on the day's agenda to debate an urgent matter with the Chairman's approval.

However, the Centre has agreed to hold a short-duration discussion, on the issue, not exceeding more than two hours, under Rule 176, which the Opposition's I.N.D.I.A bloc is objecting saying they want a "full meal discusison" and not just a toast and butter discussion of one-two hours.

Dhankhar said that the debate on Manipur violence under Rule 176 will not be restricted to 2.5 hours. “There is no time limit for discussion on Manipur situation under Rule 176,” he said, adding that the parties “will have full say".

I am not required to defend PM Modi: Rajya Sabha chairman

Meanwhile, as Kharge questioned why the Chairman was defending PM Modi over the Opposition's demand on Manipur debate, Dhankhar said, After three decades of coalition governments in India, "you had 2014 and 2019 (Lok Sabha) electoral results" under the leadership of the prime minister.

“The PM is not required to be defended by me. I am not required to defend anyone. I am required to defend the Constitution…your rights. Such an observation from LoP is not very wholesome.”

INDIA bloc MPs met President Murmu to discuss Manipur

Leaders of the opposition bloc INDIA on Wednesday met President Droupadi Murmu seeking her intervention to ensure the accountability of the government on the Manipur situation and restoration of peace in the state while pressing for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's statement in Parliament.

They also demanded that the prime minister visit the strife-torn state and make an appeal to the warring communities to end violence and promote brotherhood.

Addressing the media after meeting President Murmu, Kharge said the members of the delegation that included MPs who had recently visited Manipur apprised her of the situation in the state and shared what they saw in the affected areas.

"We also submitted a memorandum to the President and how incidents of violence were continuing, especially atrocities against women and parading them naked," Kharge, who was flanked by the opposition leaders, told reporters outside Rashtrapati Bhawan

(With PTI and ANI inputs)