In a bold move, the Congress party and Bharat Rashtra Samiti (BRS) have jointly submitted a no-confidence motion in the Lok Sabha, raising serious concerns about Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government’s handling of the Manipur issue. The motion, accepted by the Speaker, signals an upcoming debate where the opposition aims to shed light on the grave situation in Manipur, urging the government to take decisive actions in the Parliament.
The Manipur issue has resulted in over 125 fatalities, thousands displaced, and an alarming number of unspeakable horrors unfolding daily. The protracted conflict and the government’s apparent inability to quell the violence during the past three months have led to an impasse in both houses of Parliament since the monsoon session commenced on 20th July.
Although the PM Modi-led government enjoys a substantial majority with at least 332 MPs in the Lok Sabha, the no-confidence motion serves as a mechanism for the opposition to challenge the government’s ability to govern effectively.
A no-confidence motion can be initiated by any member of the Lok Sabha and must be supported by a minimum of 50 members of the House. The notice for the motion must be presented in written form before 10 am, and the Speaker reads it aloud in the House.
Upon the motion’s submission, the Speaker decides whether to admit it for discussion and debate. If admitted, the debate must be scheduled within ten days of acceptance.
During the debate, the member who submitted the motion presents their case, followed by the government’s response, and other opposition parties’ input.
Ultimately, the Lok Sabha votes on the motion, and it requires a majority of the members’ support to pass.
There are two possible outcomes:
- If the motion is passed, the government must resign, indicating a loss of confidence in their ability to govern.
- If the motion is not passed by the majority, the government remains in power, retaining their mandate to continue governing.
As the no-confidence motion looms over the government, the nation awaits the parliamentary debate that will shed light on the Manipur issue and its impact on the nation’s governance. The ensuing discussions in the Lok Sabha will carry profound implications for India’s political landscape, accountability, and the government’s approach to addressing critical issues faced by the nation.