New Delhi: Stormy scenes could well be the norm in the tolerant debate on the issue of intolerance today in the Lok Sabha. Five ministers who made it to the headlines recently for their controversial remarks will be the focus of the debate – These include Union ministers Giriraj Singh, Sadhvi Niranjany Jyoti, Mahesh Sharma, V K Singh and Sanjiv Balyan. “The PM should show that he means business by removing these ministers,” JD-U general secretary,” said KC Tyagi, of the JD (U).
Interestingly, soon after a conciliatory approach to the opposition in the Constitution debate, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be absent when the Lok Sabha takes up a debate on intolerance as he will be away to attend the international climate conference in Paris. However, he will be back in Rajya Sabha when the upper house takes up the debate on 1 December.
Incidents such as killing of rationalists, mob attacks over cow slaughter and beef-eating in UP, rumors and irresponsible statements by BJP members or related groups were shown to cite growing intolerance by the opposition.
A discussion without voting on intolerance is likely in the Lok Sabha, following demands by the opposition, including the Congress. Home minister Rajnath Singh is likely to reply to the debate
Similarly, in the Rajya Sabha, the NDA will face a tough time with several opposition having already given separate notices for discussion on intolerance, with or without voting. These include Congress, JD(U), Trinamool Congress, CPI and CPIM.
There are differences among the opposition whether to the House be allowed to disrupt like in the past. Samajwadi Party leader Mulayam Singh Yadav had spoken out against protests and disruptions, reflecting a sense within the opposition that the House should be allowed to function and climate change should be brought into Parliament.
Sultan Ahmed of West Bengal’s Trinamool Congress (TMC) said raising issues for debates should not transform into disruption of the winter session. “Disruptions are a kind of intolerance too,” said Ahmed.
Meanwhile, the government has lined up several bills, including GST bill, a landmark tax reform since Independence. Many senior opposition leaders may take to the floor and Congress sources said the party chief party or her deputy Rahul Gandhi may also speak, just as treasury benches will defend the government.
