New Delhi (Agency): On Wednesday, the Congress Party stressed that the government should pay attention to issues raised by the opposition. They demanded a discussion on the situation in Manipur during the Monsoon Session of Parliament, using the phrase “it takes two hands to clap” to express that both the government and opposition should work together for effective governance.
This assertion was made by the Congress leader in Lok Sabha, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, after he participated in an all-party meeting ahead of the session that is set to start on Thursday.
“I took part in the Business Advisory Committee meeting and highlighted all the issues that need to be discussed. In the all-party meeting, I did the same… We insist that the matter of Manipur must be addressed,” Chowdhury told the press as he left the meeting to attend another engagement.
Chowdhury pointed out that two months have passed, but the prime minister, Narendra Modi, has not spoken on the issue. “I would like to request that although he has been silent for more than two months, he should at least make a statement in Parliament and let us hold a debate,” he added.
Chowdhury stated their intention to present an adjournment motion for discussion, due to the deteriorating situation in Manipur. “We want to bring this up tomorrow,” he confirmed.
Apart from Manipur, Chowdhury also mentioned that other matters, such as floods in various parts of the country, a recent railway tragedy in Odisha’s Balasore, rising unemployment, price increases, and an “attack” on the federal structure should be considered for discussion.
“I also requested that the India-China border issue and trade imbalance should be debated,” Chowdhury added.
He firmly stated, “We expressed clearly that it takes two hands to clap. If the ruling party wants Parliament to function, it must pay attention to issues brought up by the opposition. We insist on being allowed to raise all matters.”
At the all-party meeting, the government expressed its willingness to discuss every issue permitted under the rules and approved by the Chair during the Monsoon Session of Parliament, which starts from July 20.
