Opposition submits notice for debate, resolution against ‘intolerance’

NEW DELHI: In the run-up to the winter session of Parliament, opposition parties have started a coordinated effort to demand a debate on the issue of “growing intolerance” and passage of a resolution condemning such incidents.

Submitting their notices for adjournment motions with the presiding officers of both the Houses, some parties said they want PM Modi to not only reply to the debate but also announce action against ministerial colleagues who made inflammatory public statements recently. The parties seeking the debate include the Congress, JD(U), RJD, the Left parties and the NCP. The winter session is scheduled to start on November 26, which will be observed as ‘Constitution Day’ to commemorate the acceptance of the Draft Constitution on that day in 1949. Separate special sittings of both Houses will be held on the first two days to discuss ‘Commitment to the Constitution’ as a part of the 125th birth anniversary celebrations of Dr Bhim Rao Ambedkar.

While the parties will insist their notices be taken up right on the first day of the regular session, they also plan to rake up the issue of ‘intolerance’ during the two-day special sitting by arguing “constitutionally guaranteed fundamental rights and faiths are now under attack”, party sources said. Congress Lok Sabha leader Mallikarjun Kharge said party whip KC Venugopal has sent a notice to the Lok Sabha Secretariat.

JD(U)’s KC Tyagi said, “My notice under Rule 267 is demanding the House suspend the entire business and hold a detailed debate on the issue of growing intolerance, which resulted in incidents such as Dadri, attacks on authors, killing of rationalists. We would also insist that the Prime Minister reply to the debate and demonstrate his seriousness by sacking those ministers such as Niranjan Jyoti, Giriraj Singh, Mahesh Sharma and Sanjeev Balyan, who have made communally inflammatory statements.”

While CPM leader Sitaram Yechury has submitted his notice to the RS Chairman’s office demanding a debate and House resolution against “growing intolerance,” CPI’s D Raja said he would file a notice soon. “The NCP will also be submitting notices demanding a debate on the issue of intolerance and that the House pass a resolution,” party leader DP Tripathi said.