The opposition parties are planning to introduce a no-confidence motion against the PM Modi government, fully aware of the likely failure in garnering the required numbers.
With their limited representation of fewer than 150 members in the Lower House, they are bound to face defeat if they proceed with the no-confidence motion. Additionally, due to the allocation of time in Lok Sabha based on party strength, they might not get ample time for the debate.
Nevertheless, their primary objective is to utilize the debate as a platform to draw attention to the Manipur issue and exert pressure on the government to ensure that the Prime Minister addresses the matter in Parliament, rather than leaving it solely to the Union Home Minister.
Sources close to the development suggest that the opposition intends to submit the notice of “no confidence” by Wednesday, pending a final decision by the opposition grouping. The timing of taking up the notice in the House is at the Speaker’s discretion.
Once the no-confidence notice is moved, it needs to be listed in the day’s business, and at least 50 MPs in Lok Sabha must support it for it to be considered for discussion in the House.
The alliance partners are set to convene at 10 am on Wednesday to finalize their plans regarding the motion, and Congress MPs have been requested to gather at the office of the Congress Parliamentary Party following the opposition meeting.
Although the Congress has not publicly expressed its stance on the no-confidence motion, it acknowledges the necessity of moving forward with it. A leader contends that it is the most viable method to shift the focus onto the Manipur issue and compel the Prime Minister to address the matter in Parliament.
According to the leader, “In the game of perception, it is a good idea to target the government on the Manipur issue (through the no-confidence motion).”
Additionally, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhary, Leader of Congress in Lok Sabha, emphasized that they have no other alternative but to resort to a no-confidence motion since the government has not accepted the opposition’s demand for a comprehensive discussion with the Prime Minister on Manipur. He asserts that the Prime Minister, as their leader in Parliament, should make a statement on the Manipur violence.
