After heated exchanges in the Lok Sabha the previous day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday. The Rajya Sabha session resumed at 11 am on July 3, while the Lok Sabha adjourned sine die after clashes between NDA and INDIA bloc MPs over PM Modi’s earlier speech.
At the start of the session, Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar expressed condolences for the Hathras stampede victims in Uttar Pradesh. Leader of the Opposition in Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, urged legislative action to prevent future incidents.
PM Modi’s address in the Lok Sabha marked the adjournment of the first session of the 18th Lok Sabha, which Speaker Om Birla noted achieved 103 per cent productivity. During his speech, PM Modi slammed the INDIA bloc and Rahul Gandhi for their remarks on ‘Hinduism’ and other issues.
Speaking specifically on Manipur, PM Modi stated, “The government is continuously making efforts to normalise the situation in Manipur. More than 11,000 FIRs have been registered and over 500 people arrested. Incidents of violence are continuously reducing in Manipur. Today, schools, colleges, offices, and other institutions are open in the State.”
He continued, “The Central and State Governments are talking to all stakeholders to restore peace. Union Home Minister Amit Shah stayed there for many weeks. The Centre is extending all cooperation to Manipur to tackle the flood situation. Today, 2 teams of NDRF have reached Manipur. I warn those who are trying to add fuel to fire will be rejected by Manipur.”
The PM furthermore stated, “A situation like this has happened in Manipur in 1993 and the unrest lasted for 5 years. The State has witnessed imposition of President’s Rule for 10 times during the Congress era. We have not resorted to such means.”
Discussion in the Rajya Sabha also included topics ranging from the NEET paper leak to the situation in Manipur. Opposition members criticised the government over recent examination paper leaks, citing concerns for youth and students’ morale.
