NEW DELHI: Ahead of the start of the third sitting of Monsoon Session of Parliament on Monday, the BJP and Congress moved parallel notices for discussions in both houses and will hold protests at the Parliament House complex on the issue of crimes against women.
BJP MPs assembled outside Gandhi statue to agitate against atrocities against women in Opposition-ruled states West Bengal, Rajasthan, Bihar, even as the opposition assembled in the chambers of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge under the INDIA banner to plan their day’s strategy.
The Opposition MPs will protest at Gandhi statue on the sexual violence against the Manipur women after meeting at Kharge’s chamber.
The Opposition has been demanding a stand-alone discussion on Manipur after adjournment of all business followed by the prime minister’s statement.
The BJP has upped the ante saying crime is a crime and should be discussed irrespective of where it happens.
TMC Rajya Sabha leader Derek O Brien said the BJP was being reactive.
“Sure signs that INDIA parties are doing it right. We announced our dharna in solidarity with #Manipur a few days ago for Mon 24 July 10.30 by Gandhi statue in #Parliament. BJP in REACTIVE mode. Doing copycat at same venue, hurriedly announced this morning. Looking to deflect,” O Brien said.
Union ministers said the government is ready to debate crimes against women and asked the opposition to come to the floor and not politicise the issue.
The shadow of Manipur issue continues to loom with the first two sittings of Parliament washed out last week over the issue.