Sources said the government responded to the Opposition’s insistence by stressing that they are ready to discuss the matter under the procedures that have traditionally been followed and that the latter cannot dictate terms.
On Monday, the Speaker explained in the Lok Sabha that Amit Shah, as a nodal minister, would participate in the debate, which has been the tradition in the House and opposition members should allow the proceedings. His appeal, however, failed to convince the opposition.
Parliamentary affairs minister Pralhad Joshi earlier accused opposition members of deliberately scuttling a discussion on the sensitive issue. BJP members also raised the issue of attacks on women, including the victims being disrobed and raped, in states like West Bengal and Rajasthan.
“The Opposition should not make excuses. The PM has already made a statement on Manipur with sensitivity and firmness ahead of the session. It is wrong that we don’t start the discussion at all by making an excuse in the name of PM,” Union minister Prahlad Singh Patel said.
Even amid the din in the Lok Sabha, the government succeeded in transacting some legislative business with three bills being introduced and one withdrawn.
While the government withdrew the DNA Technology (Use and Application) Regulation Bill, 2019, it introduced the National Dental Commission Bill, 2023, National Nursing and Midwifery Commission Bill, 2023 and the Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order (Amendment) Bill, 2023. Earlier, as soon as the Lower House met, members from Congress, DMK, Left parties and others were on their feet. Speaker Om Birla allowed Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury to speak. Chowdhury said Modi should make a suo motu statement on the floor of the House.