Shiva Joshi, Pune
All of the Members of Parliament (MPs) of the opposition alliance INDIA wore black as a show of defiance toward the administration over the Manipur issue.
In retaliation for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s refusal to address the violently divided northeastern state in both Houses, MPs have opted to demonstrate by donning black clothing.
“Our black clothes are against the arrogance of the PM. When the country is burning and Manipur is divided, he is bothered only about his own image,” said Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi on the opposition’s decision to wear black clothes.
On Thursday, the protesting lawmakers gather at Mallikarjun Kharge’s office to finalize their plan for both Houses of Parliament.
“This will be a symbolic protest to give a message that we stand with the people of Manipur in this hour of grief. We will try to make the Govt realise that an integral part of this country, Manipur is burning. We urge the Govt to save Manipur and shoulder their Constitutional duty…The State Govt of the day should be dissolved and the CM should be unceremoniously sacked,” said AAP MP Raghav Chadha.
The no-confidence vote should preferably be debated before any other business is taken up, according to the opposition MPs.
Birla acknowledged a move of no-confidence against the government on behalf of the opposition alliance on Wednesday. Birla stated that the leaders of all parties will be consulted before choosing a date for consideration of the proposal.