This is an archive article published on July 26, 2022
5 questions | ‘Govt afraid to discuss real issues, they want to scare Opp’: Manickam Tagore
"They are saying a discussion can be held once Nirmala Sitharaman recovers from Covid. A discussion on fuel price hike does not require the presence of the Finance Minister," says the Congress MP.
Opposition members protest in the Rajya Sabha during ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament, in New Delhi, July 25, 2022. (SANSAD TV/PTI)
Congress MP Manickam Tagore speaks to Manoj C G:
Four Congress MPs, including you, were suspended for the remainder of the House session. What is your reaction to this?
We have been demanding a discussion for the last six days. We had been giving adjournment notices every day demanding discussion on the increase in fuel prices and hike in GST rates. Today (Monday) is the sixth day. And today also the Government did not concede to our demand. We just want a discussion on the hardships faced by the people. The government is afraid to discuss such real issues. They want to scare the Opposition by suspending us. We are not afraid.
When the House met at 2 PM, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said the Government was ready for discussion
Have they given a date and time for the discussion? They are not fixing the time and date. They are merely saying we are ready for a discussion. They are saying a discussion can be held once Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman recovers from Covid. A discussion on fuel price hike does not require the presence of the Finance Minister.
What is the alternative?
A discussion has to be held. There are precedents. If you remember, it was Defence Minister Rajnath Singh who replied to a discussion on the farm laws. And it was the late Arun Jaitley who replied to a discussion on the Rafale fighter jet issue. He was the Finance Minister then and Sitharaman was the Defence Minister.
Before announcing the suspension, the Speaker warned you repeatedly not to show placards
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Most of the journalists are not allowed to cover Parliament, citing Covid protocols. Even the third wave has ebbed. But Covid protocols are still in place in Parliament. Secondly, Sansad TV does not show Opposition protests. They don’t show why we are protesting. The cameras don’t turn to the Opposition benches. We want to tell the public that we are protesting and raising their issues. So we are constrained to show the placards. Because the world does not know why we are protesting. They don’t give a chance for our leader to speak in the House.
What is your next plan?
We are fighting for the issues of the people. We followed all Parliamentary norms… The party will take a call on the future strategy.
Manoj C G currently serves as the Chief of National Political Bureau at The Indian Express. A veteran journalist with a career spanning nearly two decades, he plays a pivotal role in shaping the publication's coverage of India's political landscape.
Experience & Career: Manoj has built a robust career in political journalism, marked by a transition from wire service reporting to in-depth newspaper analysis.
The Indian Express (2008 – Present): He joined the organization in 2008 and has risen to lead the National Political Bureau, overseeing key political coverage.
Press Trust of India (PTI): Prior to his tenure at The Indian Express, Manoj worked with India’s premier news agency, PTI, honing his skills in breaking news and accurate reporting.
Expertise & Focus Areas: As a seasoned political observer, Manoj focuses on the nuances of governance and party dynamics.
National Politics: extensive reporting on the central government, parliamentary affairs, and national elections.
Political Strategy: Deep analysis of party structures, coalition politics, and the shifting ideologies within the Indian political spectrum.
Bureau Leadership: directing a team of reporters to cover the most critical developments in the nation's capital.
Authoritativeness & Trust: Manoj’s authoritativeness is grounded in his nearly 20 years of field experience and his leadership role at a legacy newspaper. His long-standing association with The Indian Express underscores a reputation for consistency, editorial integrity, and rigorous reporting standards required of a Bureau Chief.
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