Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi grilled the government in Parliament over the Manipur issue. He demanded a parliamentary discussion on the state's budget, given the imposition of President's Rule.
Delhi: In the Lok Sabha on Tuesday, Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi launched a scathing attack on the central government regarding the situation in Manipur. He asserted that peace in Manipur cannot be established at gunpoint and that only a political solution would be effective. He urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit Manipur and understand the concerns of its people.
Demand for Discussion on Manipur's Budget
During the discussion on grants, supplementary grants, and supplementary demands for Manipur's budget, Gogoi emphatically stated that the state's budget should have been presented in the state assembly, but this didn't happen due to President's Rule. He questioned the central government about the status of the Manipur Assembly—whether it has been dissolved or is in a suspended state.
BJP MP Nishikant Dubey and other members objected to Gogoi's statement, arguing that he should confine himself to the grant demands and the state's budget.
"Government Should Listen to the People of Manipur"
Gogoi stated, "If you want peace in Manipur, let the people of Manipur speak. The government should show the courage to listen to their political aspirations, fears, and concerns."
He questioned the central government about Home Minister Amit Shah's 2023 visit to Manipur and his promise to return soon, asking why he hasn't yet revisited.
Sharp Debate between Gaurav Gogoi and Nirmala Sitharaman
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman bly objected to Gogoi's remarks, which included mentioning Prime Minister Modi's absence from the House. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla clarified that Prime Minister Modi is on an overseas trip and that Prime Ministers have undertaken such trips during parliamentary sessions in the past.
Sitharaman attacked the opposition, saying, "The opposition should show the humility to acknowledge that they have insulted the Prime Minister and will not repeat it."
Gogoi retorted that Sitharaman should introspect and recall PM Modi's past speeches where he too had disparaged former Prime Ministers.
