Modi gives speech on Manipur after Opposition staged a walk out

New Delhi: In the longest speech for the no-confidence motion of 2 hours and 13 minutes, Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave a few minutes to Manipur after the Opposition bloc I.N.D.I.A staged a walkout. For 90 minutes, when the PM spoke, there was no reference to Manipur.

When the Opposition was walking out, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “What do they want? For two hours in detail, the Home Minister has explained the situation that has unfolded in Manipur. It happened due to a High Court order. I want to tell the people of Manipur that the central and state government are there for them, and we will ensure that Manipur develops.”

Taking a dig at I.N.D.I.A

In a long speech that was targeted towards the Opposition, PM Modi singled out the Congress and blamed them for the family rule, corruption and arrogance. He said, “Whenever they criticise me, I am more powerful. It is the power of the people that is there with me. They cannot tolerate the progress of India.”

He also singled out the politicians from Tamil Nadu and Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury. Chowdhury has been suspended from the Lok Sabha for ‘repeated misconduct’ pending an investigation by the privileges committee. The government has charged him for stopping them repeatedly when the ruling party benches are speaking.

‘This is lucky for me’ PM Modi

PM Modi said the no-confidence motion is lucky for him and his NDA government. “Not only did the vote share of BJP and NDA partners increase, but the no-confidence motion will make the Opposition realiserealise the power of the people.” The no-confidence motion was brought against him in 2018 also by the Opposition.

He said, “You get one more no-confidence motion in 2028 against me.”

Opposition speaks outside Parliament

Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi spoke after the walkout from the Parliament. Gogoi moved the no-confidence motion in the Parliament. The crux of the no-confidence motion was to make a comprehensive statement on Manipur in Parliament, after which a discussion would take place.

Gogoi says, “After so many days of demand from the Opposition, PM Modi came to the Parliament and spoke. Our first demand was Manipur must get justice, but that demand is still not fulfilled.”

“Manipur is burning for 90 days, and we want PM Modi to go to Manipur. Why is it that he is not going to Manipur? Why are they not removing the CM of Manipur? The arms and ammunition looted from police stations are being used against the forces. There are more than 7000 people in the camps. For two hours, he is speaking, but there is no word on Manipur. The two members of Parliament from Manipur have not spoken a word. These two BJP MPs from Manipur were not allowed to speak. People of Manipur will also be thinking why are the MPs of Manipur not speaking on the issue.”

The two MPs of Manipur are Dr Rajkumar Ranjan Singh and Lohro S Pfoze.

Motion passed without Opposition

Rajnath Singh, defence minister said, “The PM’s speech was insightful and he has mentioned in detail against the no-confidence motion.”

Other members stated that the Opposition had no confidence in their motion and hence they walked out.

Inputs from PTI