Temple of Democracy Disturbed: MP Kapil Sibal Questions PM’s Silence on Manipur Issue

New Delhi, July 24, 2023: Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal raised concerns over the state of the “temple of democracy” on Monday, highlighting the prime minister’s refusal to address the Manipur issue or respond to questions. The remarks came in the wake of Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar’s recent statement about the weaponization of disruption and disturbance to tarnish the sanctity of democratic institutions.

In a tweet, Sibal referenced the Vice President’s words, stating, “A temple where the Prime Minister refuses to make a statement on Manipur; refuses to answer questions? That is when the temple of democracy is ‘disturbed and disrupted!'”

The ongoing stalemate between the opposition and the government over the Manipur issue has hindered the functioning of both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha during the Monsoon Session. The government has agreed to hold a short-duration discussion on the matter, with the Home Minister responding to it. However, the opposition stands firm on its demand for the prime minister’s statement before any proceedings.

Addressing the centenary year convocation of Jamia Millia Islamia at Vigyan Bhawan on Sunday, Vice President Dhankhar emphasized the importance of education for societal progress and urged the youth to empower themselves. He stressed that democracy should be upheld through dialogue, discussion, deliberation, and debate for the greater public good, rather than being characterized by disruption and disturbance.

The current impasse in parliamentary proceedings has drawn attention to the need for constructive dialogue and cooperation to address critical issues facing the nation. As the nation awaits a resolution to the Manipur issue, the call for preserving the sanctity of democratic institutions remains paramount.