Manipur hard line ‘backfiring’, forces opposition leadership to solicit views of allies afresh | India News

NEW DELHI: A murmur in the INDIA alliance that its “hard line” on Manipur is backfiring, forced the opposition leadership to solicit the views of the allies afresh on the strategy. To its relief, there was unanimity among the partners that the bloc should stick to its demand for the PM’s statement and a full-fledged discussion on the Manipur strife.

At a specially convened meeting of the allies on Monday afternoon, it is learnt that Congress president and leader of opposition Mallikarjun Kharge sought the views of every constituent of the INDIA alliance on how should they move ahead in the monsoon session in view of the government’s refusal to accept their two-fold demand to end their blockade.
Each of the parties, according to sources, said that the opposition should not relent on their stand, and the PM’s statement should be insisted upon. After the polling of the views, Kharge announced to the gathering that their existing policy on Manipur blockade would continue.

The emergency meeting was convened in the wake of divergent suggestions offered in the morning session, which was attended by INDIA allies in the presence of Kharge. Sources said some members including those of the Left parties felt that the government was passing the bills in the din of the opposition protests, negating the strategy to block the official business till the ruling BJP accepted the opposition’s demands focused on Manipur.
The views expressed did not find much favour, but did lead to an impression that some parties and members were unhappy with the ongoing protests, and felt that a discussion should be held. It was said that failure of the opposition to speak on the floor of the parliament was sending a wrong signal among the people.
It was after the luncheon discussion that the opposition brass regained the confidence that its strategy had the full backing of all the INDIA members. It reflected in the post-lunch proceedings, when the opposition stuck to its demands and continued with the protests, leading to adjournments.