From Decline to Dignity - Restoring Parliament’s Greatness

The Winter session of the 18th Lok Sabha began again in a familiar fashion earlier this week with disruption, adjournment, and as usual, little progress. The opening day on Monday, November 25, and the follow-up week of parliament proceedings, saw again ruckus in the parliament where opposition was demanding a discussion on the “Adani controversy” that has again erupted and started echoing the walls of the parliament house derailing proceedings and important debate for around fifteen new bills and business hours that need to be discussed and passed in the parliament.

Again, the images on Sansad TV that was carried by nearly all leading news channels, saw most of the lawmakers on their toes, either opposing or defending as tempers flared and accusations flew across both, the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. This session, too like the last two sessions of the eighteenth Lok Sabha session has become a mirror of the broader malaise gripping parliamentary decorum and egalitarianism.

Parliament, which was always considered a temple of purposeful democracy, now appears to be a stage for political theatrics, which with a section of people is seen as eroding public confidence in its effectiveness. The masses who elect Members of Parliament (MPs), hope to get the best of the civil amenities, jobs, and development of their area and the country. The repeated disruptions of parliamentary sessions have become a sight of irritation for the grassroots. Once seen as a platform for high-minded debate and policy formulation, the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha are increasingly seen more as satire amid a ring of chaos. Or it is more visible as proceedings are directly telecast live. On television screens, many at times it is seen that lawmakers, elected to legislate, seem more intent on showcasing political brinkmanship than addressing the nation’s pressing concerns.

Prime Minister Modi, accused the opposition of reducing Parliament to a tool for obstruction. The Prime Minister set the tone for the session with a sharp critique of opposition tactics, accusing them of undermining parliamentary proceedings for political gains. “Unfortunately, some people who have been rejected by the public 80-90 times are trying to control Parliament with the hooliganism of a handful of people,” he remarked.

The Prime Minister appealed in maintaining the sanctity of Parliament and providing a platform for constructive debates. “There should be a healthy debate in Parliament, but, unfortunately, certain individuals resort to disruptions and chaos. Their sole purpose seems to be stopping the activities of Parliament. However, the people of this country observe their behaviour, and when the time comes, they punish them,” he said.

PM Modi also expressed concern over the impact of such actions on young MPs. “It is most painful that new MPs, who come with new ideas and energy not just from one party but from all parties—are denied their rights. They do not even get a chance to speak in the House,” he lamented, highlighting the injustice faced by those eager to contribute.

The opposition, as was expected, led by Congress demanded a detailed discussion on the Adani issue, accusing the government of failing to protect the interests of retail investors. In a tweet, Kharge, leader of the opposition in the Rajya Sabha stated, “As the Parliament session begins, the first step the government should take is to have a detailed discussion on the Adani saga, which has the potential of tarnishing India’s image at the global stage.”

The leader of the opposition emphasised the INDIA bloc’s concerns about monopolies and cartels dominating the economy. In a tweet, Khagre wrote, “We need healthy market-driven competition in the private sector, which facilitates equal opportunities, employment, and equitable wealth distribution.” urging the government to prioritise transparency and accountability. While both sides traded accusations, the nation’s legislative agenda continues to hang in the balance. The disruption of parliamentary proceedings is not a new phenomenon, nor is it unique to the current political climate. The BJP, when they were in opposition, then justified obstruction as a legitimate form of democratic expression.

Arun Jaitley, the party’s leader in the Rajya Sabha during the UPA-II government, once remarked as quoted by the media that “parliamentary obstruction is not undemocratic.” Equally Sushma Swaraj as leader of opposition then echoed this sentiment in the Lok Sabha, calling disruptions as a method of holding the government accountable. Today, the tables have turned. As the ruling party, the BJP decries such tactics, with Prime Minister Modi condemning the opposition’s behaviour as “hooliganism.” This continuing oscillation of roles has reduced Parliament to a stage for political theatre, with each side more interested in scoring points than in meaningful result-oriented discussions and governance.

The statistics as given by PRS Legislative Research, an Independent credible organisation, state some facts: The 18th Lok Sabha’s first two sessions lasted a mere 22 and 20 days, respectively, with significant time lost to disruptions. While there were moments of extended debate—such as 27 hours spent discussing the General Budget in the Lok Sabha—much of the budget was passed without detailed scrutiny, debate, and deliberation.

One general complaint by the opposition MPs is that the Parliamentary committees, that once were celebrated as forums for bipartisan deliberation, are increasingly sidelined. Key bills are pushed through without referral to these committees, depriving expert scrutiny and informed debate. The ruling party however denies the allegations and says committees do exist but opposition members do not allow the healthy discussions. Another allegation is the absence of a Deputy Speaker for the entire tenure of the 17th Lok Sabha, and the failure to appoint one in the 18th further highlights the declining commitment to parliamentary norms. However, many senior experienced political observers say that the present Parliament’s decline is not only procedural but more worry is its behavioural conduct by the members. The conduct of MPs has often been called into question, with scenes of shouting, placard-waving, and even physical altercations becoming disturbingly common.

As we witnessed, during the monsoon session of the 17th Lok Sabha, 27 MPs were suspended. Several of them for the entire session, for displaying placards and staging protests. Whatever may be the strength of the opposition or ruling party, maintaining decorum at the temple of democracy is essential. The hostility and point of difference should only remain as a point of difference within the walls of the parliament house, and rest outside the houses, all should remove the aggression, and anger, and work as one for the nation.

Many times, discussions on important issues for the common person, like price rises or essential services, health services, education, climate change and ever-increasing pollution in the air, are more essential for citizens but get dissolved in the ding of continuing disruptions. Political observers believe that methods of disruptions and shouting are more used as tools to gain media attention, reducing Parliament to a battleground for publicity rather than a forum for governance.

For ordinary citizens, the deterioration of parliamentary proceedings is frustrating. Parliament, which should be a beacon of democratic ideals, and lawmakers rather than in shouting matches should address the concerns of their constituents.

This disillusionment has broader implications. When Parliament fails to function effectively, it undermines public faith in democratic institutions. It brings negative feelings to the new generation. Citizens then began to gossip and see their representatives not as problem-solvers but as part of the problem. It erodes the very sense of the political system.

The consequences of a dysfunctional Parliament are far-reaching. The hasty passage of any law sometimes boomerangs.For example, the farm laws during the 17th Lok Sabha are a case study. These laws were pushed in haste. It is believed that not sufficient consultation was done even though theoretical ideas were great. Without dissemination of the laws and consultations at the grassroots, it sparked protests that lasted over a year and finally ended in their repeal. Whether it is the impact of climate change, the challenges of economic inequality, or the complexities of national security, these debates are essential for shaping policy and guiding the future of a developing country that is presently seen by several other countries as a role model.

Collective effort and some concrete steps from all stakeholders to uplift the decor and decorum of the Parliament is the need of the hour. Parliamentary committees must be restored to their central role in the legislative process.

There should be fixed hours for debates on critical or contentious issues that can help ensure that disruptions do not derail the entire session. One can agree to disagree but by introducing a few hours to discussions may lead to decorum of the house. It would not only provide a structured platform for opposition parties to voice their concerns but also preserve time for legislative business.

All political parties must take the lead in fostering a culture of dialogue and look for results in a realistic rather than confrontational way. While the opposition has a responsibility to engage constructively, the government must also demonstrate a willingness to accommodate dissenting views. Restoring dialogue could go a long way in reducing hostility.

Parliament needs to rebuild public trust as it is diminishing. Parliament needs to demonstrate its relevance to citizens’ lives. Initiatives like televised explanations of legislative debates, citizen consultations on major bills, and public outreach programs can help bridge the gap between lawmakers and the electorate. Digital tools can be used to improve transparency and engagement with the common masses for a constructive approach. For example, interactive platforms for citizen feedback, and virtual public hearings could make Parliament more accessible and accountable. It helps in bringing real-time updates on parliamentary proceedings to the common masses.

As suggested by the Prime Minister, the first-term MPs should be given more chances in debates, which helps in bringing new ideas and innovations. Parliament in all sessions should create opportunities and give special attention to these new voices to contribute.

India, as we all know, is one of the world’s largest democracies and upcoming global economic leaders dealing business with every country of the world that matters. India is also aspiring to be on a higher table of international multilateral organisations that matter. India should lead by example. It requires a functioning meaningful legislature that reflects the aspirations of its people and sets an example of success. Prime Minister Modi’s call for constructive debate is a step in the right direction, but it must be matched by concrete actions to restore Parliament’s dignity and effectiveness. The challenges will continue but will lead to many rewards. By prioritising dialogue, deliberation, and fairness, Parliament can reclaim its place as the bedrock of India’s democratic aspirations and as a model for the world.

Author is National Editor, Greater Kashmir.