Lok Sabha Resilience: PM Modi Govt Successfully Defends Against No-Confidence Motion
During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address in the Indian parliament, Lok Sabha, opposition parties staged a walkout, and subsequently, the government defeated the opposition lawmakers’ no-confidence motion on Thursday.
Amidst a barrage of criticism from the opposition, PM Modi utilized his speech, which extended for over two hours, to promise swift action in restoring peace to Manipur, a northeastern state currently embroiled in unrest.
Modi reassured, “Both federal and state governments are tirelessly working to bring those accountable to justice and reestablish tranquility in Manipur. The entire nation stands in solidarity with the people of Manipur; this is my pledge.”
The Prime Minister also directed criticism towards those who walked out, remarking, “Those who lack faith in democracy are swift to pass judgment but lack the patience to listen to a rebuttal. They are adept at disparaging and fleeing, at spreading falsehoods and escaping.”
He continued, “This is their strategy, and the country should not expect much from them.”
Prior to the vote, the government dismissed the no-confidence motion as a sensationalist tactic ahead of next year’s general election. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), led by Modi and known for its Hindu-nationalist stance, commands a substantial majority in the 543-member lower house and is widely anticipated to secure a third consecutive term in power.
Modi derisively noted, “I understand the Congress party’s challenge. They keep relaunching the same failed product, but it falters every time.”
Modi’s assurance of restoring peace in Manipur
Opposition leader Gandhi, the scion of three former Indian premiers, took center stage in attacking the government, condemning Modi’s perceived inaction in addressing the violent situation in Manipur.
Gandhi, who returned to parliament after the Supreme Court suspended his defamation conviction, accused Modi of “harming Mother India” during his address to lawmakers.
The Congress party leader had received a two-year prison sentence in March, a move critiqued as an attempt to suppress political dissent in the world’s largest democracy.
Modi’s party has often been accused by rivals and human rights organizations of exploiting religious divisions for electoral gains.
Since May, Manipur has witnessed at least 152 fatalities due to armed confrontations between the primarily Hindu Meitei majority and the predominantly Christian Kuki community.
The state has become deeply divided along ethnic lines, with opposing factions setting up blockades to restrict movement of the rival group.
Modi, acknowledging the distressing scenario, asserted, “The ongoing violence is deeply saddening. Rest assured, peace will return to Manipur in the near future.”
In efforts to curb the turmoil, additional soldiers have been deployed, a curfew remains enforced, and internet access has been restricted in Manipur.
Human Rights Watch has accused the BJP-led Manipur state administration of exacerbating the conflict through policies promoting Hindu majoritarianism.
Criticism mounted against Modi for his delayed response to the situation, with his acknowledgment of the issue only emerging in July following the release of a distressing video depicting Kuki women subjected to public humiliation.
Modi expressed his emotional reaction, stating that the incident had left him “painfully anguished.”
