Parliament’s Monsoon Session begins, Manipur riots, Delhi Bureaucrat Bill issues to be raised

New Delhi, July 20, 2023: The monsoon session of Parliament kicks off today amidst a heated atmosphere over the situation in Manipur. A total of 31 bills are on the legislative agenda, including a contentious one concerning bureaucrats in Delhi.

A major face-off is anticipated in Rajya Sabha as Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal seeks opposition support against the bill related to Delhi bureaucrats. With 105 members opposing the bill in the opposition, the BJP and its allies appear confident with their support count. Additionally, they expect backing from parties like BSP, JD(S), and TDP, each having one MP.

However, the government will need the support of BJD and YSR Congress, which have nine members each, for the bill to sail through. The BJD has yet to decide, and Jagan Reddy’s stance remains undisclosed.

In the backdrop of ongoing ethnic violence in Manipur since May 3, the opposition demands Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s statement in Parliament. The outrage has further intensified following the circulation of a video showing two tribal women allegedly gang-raped and paraded naked. The state police are investigating the incident.

Trinamool’s Derek O’Brien urged PM Modi to address the issue in both houses; otherwise, he would be responsible for the ensuing disruptions. The Centre has assured its willingness to discuss all matters in Parliament, including the two-month-long violence in Manipur, which has claimed over 80 lives.

The monsoon session, running till August 11, will have a total of 17 sittings, commencing at the old Parliament Building before moving to the newly inaugurated one in May. The modern structure offers more space compared to its 1927 counterpart.

As the session begins, all eyes are on the Parliament as it navigates through a packed legislative schedule and crucial discussions on pressing issues, including Manipur’s distressing situation.