3 weeks ago
Parliament face-off over student protests amid FCRA bill trade-off
Two big groups of Indian politicians got into a loud argument outside Parliament.
The ruling group is called the NDA, and the opposition group is called the INDIA bloc.
They were angry about police actions against students who were protesting.
One protest happened in a city called Ranchi, where students said an exam was not fair.
Another police action happened in Delhi.
The opposition leaders said Home Minister Amit Shah should explain why police acted that way in Delhi.
The ruling group said Congress leaders should answer questions about what happened in Ranchi.
Inside Parliament, leaders also argued about a law called the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act, or FCRA.
This law would control money that comes to groups in India from other countries.
The opposition wants the bill to be thrown away, but the government may send it to a special committee for more study.
NDA MPs marched to Makar Dwar demanding 'Rahul Gandhi jawab do' after Monday's police crackdown on student protesters in Ranchi, Jharkhand.
INDIA bloc MPs protested outside Parliament demanding accountability from Home Minister Amit Shah over police action against student protesters in Delhi on July 20.
BJP MPs demanded that Congress withdraw support from the Hemant Soren government in Jharkhand over the Ranchi crackdown.
The government said Shah would make a statement after a discussion on student issues but rejected the Opposition's demand to also cover the theft of donations at the Ram temple.
The government is considering referring the FCRA (Amendment) Bill to a joint parliamentary committee, while Congress, Trinamool Congress and Christian organisations want it scrapped.
- Who
- Ruling NDA MPs and Opposition INDIA bloc MPs, including Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Jairam Ramesh, and Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma, with Amit Shah at the centre of the opposition's demands.
- What
- NDA and INDIA MPs clashed at Parliament's main entrance over police action against student protesters in Ranchi and Delhi, while the government weighed referring the FCRA (Amendment) Bill to a joint parliamentary committee.
- Where
- Outside Parliament's main entrance (Makar Dwar) in New Delhi; police crackdowns occurred in Ranchi, Jharkhand and Delhi.
- When
- On Tuesday, two days before the monsoon session concludes on Thursday; the Ranchi crackdown was on Monday, the Delhi police action on July 20, and Lalduhoma met Amit Shah on August 7.
- Why
- Both sides sought accountability over police action against student protesters and control of the debate on the FCRA (Amendment) Bill before the session ends.
Opposition (INDIA bloc)
Government (NDA)
Police action on student protesters
Opposition (INDIA bloc)
Amit Shah should give a statement on police action against student protesters in Delhi on July 20; opposition leaders accused him of avoiding both Houses for 17 days.
Government (NDA)
BJP MPs demanded Congress answer for the Ranchi crackdown in opposition-ruled Jharkhand and withdraw support from the Hemant Soren government.
FCRA (Amendment) Bill
Opposition (INDIA bloc)
Congress, Trinamool Congress and Christian organisations want the bill scrapped; Mizoram CM Lalduhoma sought wider consultation.
Government (NDA)
The government argues tighter regulation is needed to stop foreign contributions funding 'anti-national' activities, but is considering sending the bill to a joint parliamentary committee.
Scope of Parliament discussion
Opposition (INDIA bloc)
The discussion on students should also cover the theft of donations at the Ram temple.
Government (NDA)
The government rejected that demand and wants the debate limited to student-related issues, daring the Opposition to face Amit Shah.
Key facts
- Event
- Face-off between NDA and INDIA bloc MPs at Parliament's Makar Dwar
- Ranchi police action
- Monday; students protesting alleged exam irregularities
- Delhi police action
- July 20; against student protesters
- FCRA (Amendment) Bill
- Introduced in Lok Sabha in March; government considering referral to joint parliamentary committee
- Demand to scrap bill
- Congress, Trinamool Congress and Christian organisations
- Consultation meeting
- Mizoram CM Lalduhoma met Amit Shah on August 7 to protest FCRA provisions
- Shah's offer
- Ready to make a statement in the House after a discussion on student issues
- Session
- Monsoon session concludes on Thursday
Quotes
BJP MP
Member of Parliament from the Bharatiya Janata Party
“"There could be a surprise tomorrow. Home minister Amit Shah could make an appearance in the Lok Sabha and dare the Opposition to face a discussion, saying he was there to give a detailed statement."”
telegraphindia.com
Sources
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