Parliament or battlefield?
Even though Parliament is one of the tallest democratic institutions of the country, with a mandate to debate policymaking and national progress and represent the will of the people, it has increasingly become synonymous with disruptions and pandemonium to the dismay of conscientious citizens of the country. While the Opposition has increasingly been using disruptions as a tool to stall the government’s agenda, the government has been stalling proceedings to scuttle discussion on issues raised by the Opposition. It is time parties across the political spectrum ensure that Parliament does not become a battleground for political rivalry. There is a need to prioritise the nation’s interests over short-term political gains.
M. Jeyaram,
Sholavandan, Tamil Nadu
Any hope of having peaceful parliamentary sessions lies shattered. In the tussle over ‘Adani’ and ‘George Soros’, matters of concern are being totally ignored. What is at stake is the very future of our parliamentary democracy. Brandishing pocket editions of the Constitution means nothing. Both sides across the aisle have to change from behaving like street fighters to becoming respectable and responsible representatives of the people who voted them to power. The ruling party has to be less arbitrary in the use of its majority and recognise the merit of “give and take”. When it comes to the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition, there is a yawning gap in terms of attitude, experience and political maturity. It would take a deep sense of statesmanship on both sides to recognise their obligation to act in the national interest.
T.C. Narayan,
Bengaluru
Published – December 10, 2024 12:24 am IST
