Earlier, it was the insistence on discussing the situation in Manipur that disrupted proceedings in Parliament, thereby preventing normal functioning. Did that help the Opposition obtain any increased support among the electorate? Now, in the ongoing session, the Adani and Sambhal riots issues have led to adjournments of both the Lok and Rajya Sabhas. What provides the opposition the right to seek discussions when it wants in contravention of parliamentary norms? Is it because the intention is merely to target the government rather than seek action or solutions?
This has increasingly become regular practice, with the authority of the LS Speaker and the RS Chairman being challenged at every step. It reflects disrespect of the very institutions whose granted privilege the members otherwise always demand and are eager to enjoy. Even more, is it good strategy in pursuit of whatever objectives they wish to achieve? Compare, instead, the reverence with which declarations by western institutions are held even if they are disparaging of India.
If it is their belief that they are making gains against the government, they are sadly mistaken, because it only gives an opportunity to the Treasury Benches to get legislation and other measures passed without any significant debate, or accountability. Do they think the people do not follow the debates in Parliament and accordingly judge the capabilities of the members? Do they not consider what impact the disturbances and walkouts during the Prime Minister’s speeches, or those of other senior ministers, have on the general public? This attitude is nothing but an acceptance of defeat and an acknowledgement that they cannot counter the arguments of the ruling party.
Is it a coincidence that this culture has gained ground because there is a class of politician that is in Parliament because of a privileged background? Such persons obviously believe they are above the system and do not need to follow the rules as others are required to do. Quite obviously they have past experience to justify this belief. They can do things and get away with it, which in somebody else’s case could mean an end to their political career.
Such behaviour needs to be contained and one way of doing it would be to end the practice of TV cameras not being allowed to show unruly behaviour. If the people get to see all that is going on, they will quickly realise the true character of their representatives, and vote keeping that in mind in future elections.
