In a high-stakes political spectacle, the Lok Sabha is all set to take center stage for a riveting debate on a no-confidence motion. This much-anticipated session, expected to span over two intense days, is already sparking fervent discussions across the country’s political landscape.
Hours allocated and Prime Minister’s response
With a debate time totaling 12 hours, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is primed to occupy around 6 hours and 41 minutes of this pivotal discourse. Meanwhile, the Congress party has secured approximately one hour and 15 minutes to make its case. However, the climax of this political drama will arrive on 10 August when Prime Minister Narendra Modi takes the floor to respond to the arguments presented.
The opening act: Gaurav Gogoi and Rahul Gandhi
Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi inaugurated the debate, attacking PM Modi for his silence on Manipur. The anticipation earlier was that Rahul Gandhi, who made a triumphant return to the parliamentary arena on Monday after a four-month hiatus, would kick off the proceedings.
The accepted motion and preparations
A no-confidence motion, orchestrated by the Opposition parties within the I.N.D.I.A bloc, was officially accepted by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla last week. In the face of this political upheaval, the Bharatiya Janata Party is leaving no stone unturned and has summoned a parliamentary party meeting to fine-tune their strategy for the forthcoming debate.
Northeast Ministers’ stance
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, however, took a bold stance, stating that Opposition parties would come to rue their decision to bring forth the no-confidence motion. He lauded Prime Minister Modi’s visionary approach, asserting that India’s global image had been revitalized and that the nation was on a trajectory toward remarkable development.
Rijiju passionately conveyed, “Before 2014, many people from the Northeast faced racial discrimination and atrocities in Delhi and other major cities of the country. After 2014 the situation changed, and the DGP conference was held in Guwahati for the first time after independence. During this meeting, the PM directed that police must ensure the security of people from the Northeast”.
Meanwhile Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma said that no healing touch was given by Congress PMs in the last 75 years in Northeast. “Communities didn’t start fighting overnight in the Northeast and Congress is responsible for the situation,” he added.
Diverse stances and bold statements
Notably, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) took a unique stance, with MP Pinaki Misra revealing that the party, though politically opposed to the BJP, would not support the no-confidence motion. Misra expressed gratitude for the Central government’s contributions to Odisha, highlighting the complexity of political decisions.
Misra asserted,”Manipur CM has to be blamed but give constructive solutions instead of bringing a no-confidence motion and laying blame. We need to speak in one voice and not fractions,” as reported by HT.
As per HT, DMK MP Thalikkottai R Baalu said, “Minorities of Manipur have been killed ruthlessly. 143 people have been killed. 65,000 people have fled the state. Two women were stripped, gang-raped and paraded naked on the streets of Manipur…The CM is helpless. The PM is not coming to the Parliament and he has not gone to the state. Whereas, I.N.D.I.A. parties went there and understood what has happened.”
Rahul Gandhi’s homecoming and Chhattisgarh CM’s support
All eyes are on Rahul Gandhi, as his return to the Lok Sabha spotlight is met with anticipation. Congress MP Manickam hinted at Gandhi delivering a pivotal speech during the no-confidence motion debate. Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel echoed this sentiment, remarking that the nation eagerly awaited Gandhi’s voice in the parliamentary discourse.
On Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing BJP MPs during a private parliamentary party meeting, stated that the opposition’s motivation behind the no-confidence motion was to gauge the level of trust and unity within their own alliance, given the history of distrust within the INDIA bloc.
It was reported that he characterized the opposition alliance as “ghamandia” (marked by arrogance) and praised the party’s Rajya Sabha members for their “semi-final” victory in the voting on the Delhi services bill.
As the nation braces for this political showdown, the Lok Sabha transforms into a stage where ideologies, strategies, and convictions will collide. With heated exchanges and crucial narratives set to unfold, these sessions will undoubtedly shape the political landscape for Lok Sabha 2024.