Govt asks for discussion on Manipur in Rajya Sabha; Oppn pushes for discussion under rule 267

New Delhi, Jul 31: Protests continued in both the Houses on Monday, as BJP MP and Leader of the House Piyush Goyal addressed the Rajya Sabha and urged for a discussion on the Manipur crisis at 2 pm, and the Opposition pushed for a discussion under rule 267. Further, the government is likely to bring the ordinance on contentious National Capital Territory (NCT) Amendment in the Lok Sabha today, prompting Aam Aadmi Party leaders to voice their opposition outside the parliament. Rule 267 has emerged as a thorny issue in Parliament sessions recently, with no notice given under the rule being accepted by the Chair. According to the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Council of States (Rajya Sabha), under Rule 267, Rajya Sabha MPs can give a written notice to suspend all listed business and discuss an issue of importance the country is facing. Parliament has not been able to function since the start of the Session on July 20, with the Opposition demanding a statement by Prime Minister Modi in the House on the crisis. The Opposition also brought a no-trust motion last week, in a bid to compel PM Modi to speak on Manipur issue within the Parliament. The focus is now on the Speaker who will allot a date and time for discussion and vote on the motion.