Government Vs Opposition
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