AAP leaders strongly criticised the BJP Government for disallowing the Private Member Resolution on Manipur Violence put forth by AAP MLA Engr Cruz Silva. The party has demanded that the Speaker reconsider the resolution and provide adequate time for a meaningful discussion. Addressing the media on Tuesday, AAP leader Adv Amit Palekar expressed his concern over the Government’s approach towards democracy, stating, “The BJP Government’s actions reflect a lack of belief in democracy. The suspension of entire opposition is an attempt to silence the voice of the people. This is not democracy, this is dictatorship”.
Palekar further added, “The ruling party’s arrogant behaviour was evident during the discussion on High Court’s directives concerning Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary and surrounding areas. Forest Minister Vishwajit Rane’s tone showcased the ruling party’s lack of willingness to engage in constructive debates.” AAP leader Valmiki Naik expressed shock over the suspension of the entire opposition during the assembly session, stating, “The BJP Government’s actions indicate a desire to eliminate the opposition altogether. They either try to buy MLAs or suspend opposition MLAs to suppress voices that are inconvenient for them.”
Naik demonstrated AAP’s commitment to democracy and role of opposition by highlighting an incident in the Delhi Assembly where AAP allowed the opposition BJP MLAs to introduce a no-confidence motion against the AAP Government, despite not having enough MLAs as per the rules. He compared this democratic conduct by AAP with the BJP’s anti-democratic behaviour in Goa assembly as well as Rajya Sabha where their MP Sanajay Singh was suspended for the entire monsoon session. Reading out the Private Member Resolution, Naik emphasized its purpose to condemn violence and appeal to Manipur citizens to maintain peace.
“This is one of the best resolutions introduced in this session as per as the assembly rules & criteria for drafting such resolutions. Why did the BJP disallow it? Why does BJP not want to condemn the violence in Manipur? Why does BJP not want to appeal to all sections of Manipur society to maintain peace and harmony? Why does BJP not want to maintain law & order?”, Naik demanded to know.
AAP leader Ramrao Wagh questioned the BJP’s contradictory approach, citing a recently passed resolution on the banned BBC documentary which violated all the rules of drafting resolutions but was still allowed and discussed for a long time. He emphasised the importance of discussing the pressing matter of Manipur’s tense situation. Responding to a question about the Nuvem MLA’s comment calling the uproar a drama, Wagh challenged him to go to his own constituency and say to people of Nuvem that Manipur is not an important issue for him. AAP leaders urged the speaker to reconsider his stance and uphold the principles of democracy by allowing open discussions on crucial issues affecting the nation.