Parliament is set to see some firework on a possible ‘intolerance’ debate and Oppostion’s demand for action against some Ministers for their alleged provocative remarks. While Congress and JD(U) have given notices in the Rajya Sabha to discuss the issue after suspension of business under Rule 267, in the lok Sabha Congress and CPI(M) have submitted notices for a debate under Rule 193, which does not entail voting or requires suspension of business.
In the lok Sabha, the matter has been listed for Monday while in the Rajya Sabha it can take place any day in the week after the conclusion of the discussion on the “Commitment to India’s Constitution” as part of the 125th birth anniversary celebration of Dalit icon BR Ambedkar.
The first two days of the session that began on November 26 saw smooth proceedings as parties did not want to be seen blocking a discussion on the Constitution on the occasion of Ambedkar’s anniversary even though the Opposition attacked the Government over alleged rise in intolerance and communal violence and the Government returned the compliment in equal measures.
“The real confrontation will be there this week when the Government brings its legislative agenda on the table. Congress, JD(U), CPI(M), CPI and Trinamool Congress have given separate notices to seek a discussion with and without voting, pass a resolution by the House, and seek action against Ministers making provocative speeches. Much depends on how the Government responds to the Opposition’s issues,” said a leader in an Opposition party.
The Congress’ notice has been moved by Deputy leader of Opposition in the House Anand Sharma and the party plans to attack the Government over alleged “orchestrated campaign to create an atmosphere of fear and intimidation” and also raise issues like returning of awards by celebrated writers and others from the intelligentsia. The notice by Sharma, which also seeks passing of a resolution by the House, condemns the “assault on the freedom of expression”.
JD(U) general secretary KC Tyagi has given a separate notice under Rule 267 to discuss the issue and the party has decided to seek the resignation of five Union Ministers over their alleged provocative remarks.
“Prime Minister Narendra Modi must signal his intent to act against people making such provocative remarks, more so against those from his Cabinet. We have given a notice and we are seeking action against the Ministers,” said Tyagi.
In a tweet, JD(U) president Sharad Yadav stated that the PM should have assured the country in his speech that there shall not be any communal violence which is on rise after the NDA came to power. CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury has also given a notice in the Rajya Sabha seeking passage of a one-line resolution by the House condemning incidents of “intolerance” and asking the Government to ensure that they do not happen again.