Political Diary
New Delhi, 19 December 2023
Government Vs
Opposition
TIME TO BREAK LOGJAM
By Poonam I Kaushish
It’s the season of surprises with
BJP appointing unknown, faceless and low key MLAs as Chief Ministers in Madhya
Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh. But the element of bombshell didn’t end
there. Shocking scenes were
played out in sanitized Parliament’s Lok Sabha when two intruders jumped from
the visitor’s gallery into the chamber, desk-hopping, deploying coloured smoke
from canisters and raising slogans against authoritarianism till they were
overpowered by MPs and House marshals Wednesday 13 December. Succinctly, another
security breach reminiscent of the terror attack on Parliament on the same day
2001.
Predictably all hell broke loose with Opposition’s INDIA
bloc demanding Home Minister Shah’s statement on the serious security lapse and
Treasury Benches refusing to do so, notwithstanding Speaker Birla making clear
“Government cannot intervene in responsibilities of Lok Sabha secretariat’s
purview. Security inside House is under me.” Suggesting Government should not
be held accountable.
Already, Delhi Police
has arrested all 6 culprits and slapped the stringent anti-terror law Unlawful
Activities (Prevention) Act on them who confessed it was to draw attention to
unemployment, farmers issue and Manipur violence. Even as police look into the
larger conspiracy behind the incident, their preliminary submission is that the
“mastermind” wished to create “anarchy” in the country.
Naturally this failed to satisfy Opposition resulting in another
shocker for them: 78 Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha MPs were suspended yesterday for
“misconduct”, staging protests, displaying playcards, rushing in to the well and disobeying Chair’s directions for the remaining part of
the winter session which ends Friday. This includes Congress leader of the
House, senior TMC, DMK, RJD leaders etc. With 14 suspended last week this
totals 92 Right Honourables.
Certainly, Opposition has a point, “Our demand is Shah make
a statement in Parliament but Prime Minister Modi prefers to speak to a
newspaper and Home Minister to a TV channel on Parliament’s security breach but
refuses to speak in the House which is
the correct forum for them to speak.”
Prime Minister Modi brushed this aside advising Opposition against
any “vaad-vivaad” (debate) or “pratirodh” (protest) over the breach. “The
gravity of the incident should not be underestimated. Speaker has been taking
steps needed with all seriousness….Investigative agencies are inquiring
strictly. Let investigations be completed before any discussion is held. Efforts
should be made to look for a solution with a collective spirit,” appearing to
suggest the Opposition should suspend its protests.
BJP added its two bits by trying to connect some of the
protestors to political outfits arrayed with Opposition and with at least one
of them having earlier participated in demonstrations against farm laws.
But the Opposition refused to heed and obtusely continues
to display lung power, accusing the Government of shunning debate to escape
questions over role of the BJP Parliamentarian who
recommended the two canister-carrying youths secure Lok Sabha passes to the
visitors’ gallery.
Questionably, it
stands to reason that before Parliament debate the breach our Right Honourables
should study the findings of the investigation committee set up by the Home
Ministry. The break-in calls for an informed debate whereby security concerns
of all members can be addressed.
Certainly, protests
within and outside Parliament are legitimate but this is not to make a case for
boorish or unruly behaviour in both Houses of Parliament. By refusing to do so,
tantamounts to dereliction of duty as it is an avoidable confrontation. As MPs
they owe it to their constituents to discuss, debate and legislate issues of
vital interest to them. For even as Opposition have their say, Government has
its way.
Besides, even as INDIA block displays its lung power amidst
shouts of dictatorship, bulldozing Opposition and death of democracy, they fail
to remember 15 March 1989 when 63 lawmakers were suspended from Parliament during
Congress Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi era over tabling of the Justice Thakkar
Commission of Inquiry on Indira Gandhi’s assassination.
With more than 400 MPs, the Congress Government then
enjoyed a brute majority, much like BJP now. The only difference being then the
suspension was for three days, today it for remainder of Parliament’s session.
Remarked a senior BJP leader acidly, “If Congress claims that suspension of its
MPs is a black day for democracy, who set the 89 benchmark?”
What next? Amidst the continuing logjam and penchant for
notching up brownie points, all conveniently brush under the carpet that Parliament
is a sacred symbol of our democracy. Any violation of its dignity is a serious
issue. The onus is on both Government and Opposition to ensure smooth running
of both Houses.
Further, floor managers of both sides need to reach a
compromise so that Parliament can function smoothly. This can happen only in a climate of mutual
trust and bonhomie which is sadly, absent today. Time for our MPs to realize
their key job is to legislate. More so, as crucial Bills like the three
Criminal Procedure Code Bills are to be debated and passed this session.
Remember, Parliamentary democracy does not begin and end
with elections, it’s a continuous process that carries on in the House and, in
collaboration with Opposition. The electorate takes a cue from Parliament. A
House that functions in a healthy atmosphere of dialogue, dissent and debate
sends out a positive message to people.
It remains to be seen if obstructionism will continue and
whether our polity will continue to drift along smugly without any shame,
desire to turn a new page. Of late one sees Treasury Benches passing crucial bills
thanks to Opposition providing a perfect escape by creating pandemonium. With the
functioning of Parliament costing Rs 2.5 lakhs per minute our Right Honourbles
need to be sternly told they cannot squander aam jantas’ money.
The time has come for all MPs to see how they can
strengthen Parliamentary democracy before people begin to mock them. One way is
that on policy matters and legislative business Treasury and Opposition Benches
rise above sectarian political loyalties and be guided by what the country
needs, the sense of the House than the rule book.
Another is to make the Executive accountable by taking a
leaf out of Westminster. The House of Commons has a-40 minutes a week “PM’s
Hour” convention wherein MPs can question him on any issue.
It needs to be remembered that Parliament is the bedrock of
our nation State. It represents citizens who expect it to function as the
sovereign watchdog of their national interest. Constitutionally, the Executive
is responsible and accountable to Parliament every second of the day. Its
survival depends on its enjoying the confidence of the Lok Sabha. Nothing more,
nothing less.
With sharp battle lines between Treasury and Opposition if this
distrust continues it will only further devalue Parliament and lower its image.
Thus, our leaders need to heed voices of reason. Tying up Parliament in trivia,
sans business does not behove the world’s largest democracy. Time to change the
rules to ensure accountability.
The value of this session will be gauged by its success in
moving the national conversation forward. As leader of the world’s largest
democracy Modi needs to remember a good statesman always learns from his
opposition than from his supporters. Alongside our Opposition MPs must introspect
about what kind of legacy they are going to leave behind. Will they allow
Parliament to sink under the weight of its increasing decadence? ---- INFA
(Copyright, India News & Feature Alliance)
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