Lok Sabha Speaker Admits Opposition's No Confidence Motion Against BJP Government Over Manipur Crisis

Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi filed a no-confidence motion against the center to build pressure on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP government, centering on the Manipur issue on Wednesday. The motion was filed on behalf of the united opposition 'INDIA' – Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance, to draw the PM's attention to the carnage unfolding in Manipur. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla admitted the no-confidence motion and informed that the House would assign a date and time for taking it up after consultation with the other political parties. 

The Bharatiya Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leader Nageshwar Rao too, submitted a separate notice for a no-confidence motion to the speaker. 

The Opposition has been demanding the Prime Minister's statement on the Manipur mayhem since the beginning of the Monsoon Session of the Parliament that started on July 20. The no-confidence motion moved by Congress was backed by the TMC, NCP, BRS, DMK, Shiv Sena (UBT), JD (U), and the left parties.

A no-confidence motion allows the Opposition to challenge the ruling government's stance on the house floor. It can be introduced by any Member of Parliament in the Lok Sabha as long as the motion is supported by the signatures of at least 50 members. The allotted date must fall within 10 days from the acceptance of the motion. Should this not occur, the motion is deemed unsuccessful, and the member who initiated the motion is duly notified. If the government fails to demonstrate its majority in the House, it is obligated to step down. 

Union Home Minister Amit Shah took a swipe at the Opposition on Tuesday, comparing their current actions to similar efforts made in 2018, accusing them of disrupting the proceedings of the Parliament. "Whoever is raising slogans now, neither are they interested in the government nor in cooperation. They are neither interested in Dalits or the welfare of women", he said.

Senior leaders of the 26-party opposition coalition INDIA have stated that their decision to introduce the motion is intended to compel Prime Minister Narendra Modi to address the Parliament concerning the violence in Manipur. This comes despite the government's insistence that Union Home Minister Amit Shah will respond to the debate concerning the situation in Manipur.