By Narasimhan Vijayaraghavan
It is singularly shameful that the opposition in Parliament has decided to disrupt the proceedings with continuing sloganeering and ruckus, during the replied by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to the address of President Droupadi Murmu, in the joint session, in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. The height of ignominy is to find the leader of INC in Rajya Sabha, 80 plus years Mallikarjun Kharge leading the shouting. Standards cannot fall more. Why the hell do we elect these representatives? To go and create noise in numbers?
Yes, we have seen Hungama in Parliament before too. But, this one is concerted and organised. I.N.D.I. alliance is convinced that ‘they’ have vanquished NDA. The numbers they managed beyond the anticipated has made them miserably and mistakenly punch drunk as if NDA lost the elections when BJP, on its own did not get a majority like in 2014 & 2019. How stupid and naive could they get.
It is akin to a Meme one saw that India did not beat the Proteas in T20 final by 7 runs, since they failed to win by 107 runs and that is why captain Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli ‘resigned’ from T20 internationals! How crazy can we get.
A democratic polity thrives on the open exchange of ideas and the careful crafting of laws. In this grand orchestra of governance, the Parliament serves as the conductor, wielding the twin batons of debate and legislation. Its importance cannot be overstated, for within its halls lies the very essence of a functioning democracy.
The Parliament acts as the premier debating chamber in a democratic nation. Here, elected representatives, acting as the voice of the people, engage in robust discourse on a multitude of issues. This forum allows for the exploration of diverse viewpoints, the scrutiny of government proposals, and the identification of potential flaws in policy. Through reasoned arguments and counter-arguments, the Parliament ensures that legislation is not enacted in an echo chamber, but rather emerges from a crucible of critical examination.
Public debate within the Parliament serves a multitude of purposes. It educates the public on complex issues, fostering informed citizenry. It allows for the articulation of concerns from various segments of society, ensuring that no voice goes unheard. Additionally, rigorous debate can expose weaknesses in proposed legislation, leading to its refinement and ultimately, the passage of stronger, more effective laws.
The Parliament’s legislative function is equally crucial. It is here that the ideas debated and refined are translated into the very fabric of the nation’s legal framework. Through a structured process, bills are proposed, debated, and voted upon. This ensures that laws are not the pronouncements of a single individual or a small group, but rather the collective will of the people’s representatives. The Parliament, therefore, acts as a safeguard against tyranny, ensuring that laws are enacted with the consent of the governed.
However, the Parliament’s effectiveness hinges on a few key factors. Unfettered debate, where diverse viewpoints are respected and heard, is paramount. Additionally, strong mechanisms for holding the government accountable are essential. A well-functioning Parliament fosters transparency and ensures that the government acts in the best interests of the people.
Parliament stands as a cornerstone of a democratic polity. As a forum for debate and legislation, it safeguards the rights of citizens, promotes informed decision-making, and ensures that laws are enacted with the consent of the governed. Only through the vibrant exchange of ideas and the careful crafting of legislation within the Parliament can a democracy truly flourish.
Does the opposition realize that this misconduct on their party is actually helping the ruling dispensation. They are not seen to be accountable. They are being let off. There is no compulsion to answer. Modi has chosen to brazen it out with his baashan and his flock has quietly sat, disciplined behind him. And even the Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and Rajya Sabha Vice Chairman Jagdeep Dhankar have played along by allowing the ruckus to go on, by being supinely indifferent. Does the opposition realize it is gross insult to themselves, when they set it out to be against the rulers?
Parliament has been reduced to less than a lousy local roadside assembly. Well done. It is obvious that the opposition has decided that Modi 3.0 is occupying power against the mandate. So, they will use Parliamentary debate/legislative time to loudly oppose the ruling party all the time!
Shame on them. Do they care? And do We the People care?
