Tensions Escalate in Rajya Sabha over Manipur Crisis as Chairman Pushes for Discussion
New Delhi: The Rajya Sabha witnessed heated proceedings after a confrontation between Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar and Trinamool Congress leader Derek O’Brien. The Chairman appealed to the House to rise above partisan interests and allow a short-duration discussion on the situation in Manipur, which has been plagued by violence claiming over 120 lives.
A delegation of opposition MPs from the INDIA front is scheduled to visit Manipur to assess the situation over the weekend, amidst an ongoing dispute between the government and the opposition regarding the ethnic violence in the northeastern state.
Addressing the House, Mr. Dhankhar confirmed his acceptance of a discussion on the Manipur situation, and he urged members to approach the topic without bias. However, proceedings were adjourned abruptly following Mr. O’Brien’s interruption, protesting the non-admission of notices submitted by opposition members to discuss the Manipur situation.
Various parties, including Congress and DMK, have submitted notices to suspend the listed business in Parliament to prioritize the discussion on the ongoing ethnic clashes in Manipur.
The Chairman re-emphasized that he had already approved a short-term discussion on the topic and requested members to adhere to the prescribed rule for the debate. During the exchange, Mr. O’Brien urged the opposition parties to persist with their efforts to introduce the motion for discussion.
Mr. Dhankhar criticized Mr. O’Brien’s actions as “theatrics” and urged MPs to show respect to the chair. Despite the chairman’s efforts, the day’s proceedings were adjourned as Mr. O’Brien continued with his sloganeering.
The Manipur crisis has resulted in the loss of more than 120 lives and has left thousands displaced, prompting concerns both within India and globally.
