New Delhi, Aug 10: The no-confidence motion debate, a fiery exchange between the ruling and Opposition parties, enters its final phase today. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is poised to deliver his response in the Lok Sabha, scheduled after 4 pm. The Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (I.N.D.I.A.) introduced the motion against the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government, setting the stage for a parliamentary clash over issues including Manipur violence.
PM Modi’s Reply Amidst Heated Debate
Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh confirmed that Prime Minister Modi will address the House to reply to the no-confidence motion. The past two days have witnessed a tense verbal showdown between the opposing sides. The Opposition accuses the Centre of sowing discord in Manipur, while the ruling coalition defends its record of governance and welfare.
I.N.D.I.A. Bloc’s Motive and Allegations
Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi initiated the debate, asserting that the I.N.D.I.A. bloc was compelled to bring forth the motion in order to break Prime Minister Modi’s ‘maun vrat’ (silence) on the Manipur violence. He alleged that the government’s rhetoric of ‘one India’ had led to the division of Manipur into two distinct regions – one in the hills and the other in the valley.
Government’s Counterattack and Accusations
Union Home Minister Amit Shah criticized the Opposition’s move, labeling it an attempt to create confusion. He asserted that the purpose of the motion was to spread uncertainty and emphasized that the Opposition was primarily focused on their own interests. Rajnath Singh reaffirmed Prime Minister Modi’s presence for the Lok Sabha session.
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Discussion on Manipur Violence Deferred
The central government has agreed to discuss the issue of Manipur violence on August 11, marking the concluding day of the monsoon session.
Uneven Playing Field in Voting
Despite the impending voting, the BJP-led NDA government is expected to emerge largely unscathed. With a substantial 331 members in the Lower House, including 303 from the BJP alone, the government’s majority remains well beyond the required mark of 272. In contrast, the I.N.D.I.A. bloc possesses 144 MPs, which could potentially increase to 152 with the support of BRS. However, Naveen Patnaik’s BJD, with 70 MPs, has refrained from backing the motion.
Opposition’s Strategy and Battle of Perception
While the likelihood of winning the motion appears slim for the Opposition, they justify their move as an attempt to win the ‘battle of perception.’ Their aim is to compel Prime Minister Modi to address the Manipur issue, thereby capitalizing on the political narrative surrounding the motion.
