The Sorry State of India’s Parliamentary Proceedings (GS Paper 2, Polity)
Context
- The diminishing role of Parliament in India is a serious concern that is weakening the very fabric of Indian democracy.
- The recent winter session illustrated the decline in the functioning of Parliament, where disruptions and adjournments became the norm, rather than productive debates and legislation.
Introduction
- The recent Parliament session turned into a travesty, with both the Opposition and the Treasury benches disrupting proceedings.
- Adjournments outnumbered discussions, and there was little accomplished in terms of governance.
- The session ended with a sense of failure, compounded by violent clashes between MPs.
- What was once regarded as a place for debate and deliberation now feels more like a stage for political theatrics.
- For many, this was a betrayal of the institution that once stood as the cornerstone of India’s democracy.
Reasons for the Decline
Precedent and Parliamentary Practice
- The roots of these disruptions lie in historical precedents.
- In 2007, a roundtable of eminent citizens convened by then-Speaker Somnath Chatterjee advised stricter enforcement of parliamentary procedures.
- However, disruptions were seen as an acceptable form of protest by both the Opposition and the ruling party.
- Over time, this practice became institutionalized despite its negative impact on legislative functions.
- Successive Speakers have hesitated to expel or suspend unruly members, citing the need for all-party consensus.
The Decline of Civility in Politics
- Another significant factor is the acrimonious environment between the government and the Opposition.
- Civility and mutual respect, once hallmark traits of Indian political leaders like Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Rajiv Gandhi, have been replaced by polarization.
- Instead of engaging in constructive discourse, both sides view each other as enemies, making any form of cooperation nearly impossible.
- The lack of trust and the absence of goodwill has led to the breakdown of democratic processes in the legislative arena.
Diminished Expectations from MPs
- In the past, MPs were known for their eloquence, debating skills, and intellectual contributions on the floor of Parliament.
- Figures like Ram Manohar Lohia, George Fernandes, and Nath Pai rose to prominence not because of their political weight but because of their powerful speeches and ability to challenge the government’s policies.
- Today, however, the public’s expectations of MPs are shaped more by their electoral influence, constituency work, and populist appeal than by their parliamentary performance. Oratory and debate have taken a backseat in favor of political posturing.
Elections and Parliamentary Performance
- Electoral success is increasingly determined by factors outside of parliamentary conduct.
- MPs are often judged on their ability to deliver local services, win votes, and mobilize support, rather than their debating skills or legislative contributions.
- As a result, many MPs prioritize local political needs over their responsibilities in the legislative domain.
- The disconnect between electability and parliamentary performance has exacerbated the decline in the quality of debate and decision-making in Parliament.
Disruption and Contempt for the Institution
- The decreasing standards of parliamentary behavior have become more pronounced over the years.
- Rather than engaging in meaningful debates or scrutinizing government policies, MPs often resort to disrupting proceedings, sloganeering, and creating chaos.
- The BJP government, in particular, has been accused of bypassing Parliament to push through policies and legislation without adequate deliberation.
- The disrespect shown towards Parliament by the government is also evident in the Prime Minister’s absence from sessions, a stark contrast to earlier leaders who would attend regularly and actively participate.
Conclusion
- The decline of Parliament in India is not just about disruptions in sessions; it signifies a larger erosion of the democratic processes that the institution is supposed to represent.
- If Parliament continues to be reduced to a rubber stamp for the executive, it will lead to a loss of faith among the public in the very institution that is meant to represent the people's will.
- The ongoing disrespect for parliamentary procedures, coupled with the breakdown of trust between the government and the opposition, threatens the core principles of Indian democracy.
- Parliament’s diminishing role, if left unchecked, will severely compromise India’s future as a vibrant democracy.
