DNA Edit: House not proud

Normally, the state of a country’s democracy could be gauged from the constructive debates in its legislatures. When the Opposition engages the government on issues related to the well-being of the people, it offers an opportunity for a rethink, or better still, opens up new avenues for improved governance.

In India, this is far from reality. Parliamentary proceedings have come to a standstill for a fortnight now as BJP’s adversaries are more bent on drawing blood than allowing for a healthy exchange of ideas. With the Budget Session turning into a least-productive spell, issues central to the country’s present and future have been relegated to the backburner.

The ugly scenes unfolding in the hallowed corridors of power are much too familiar. It’s a no-holds-barred situation, symptomatic of the malaise that has affected political discourses. There is scant regard for norms and decorum that has unfortunately led to the lowering of the bar. It shows how vicious political attacks can be.

The BJP, which is currently at the receiving end and trying to bring about a rapprochement, had engaged in similar tactics during the UPA rule. Their continued resistance, bordering on hooliganism, in the House had led to a policy paralysis, imperilling the fate of several crucial bills. Now, the Opposition is returning the favour with equal ferocity. Raising slogans in support of their demands, regional parties such as TDP, AIADMK and YSR Congress are playing to their respective constituencies, in the hope of gaining public sympathy.

When issues can be resolved through debate and dialogue, Opposition parties have chosen the easy way out: Arm-twisting the BJP. It’s as if cornering the government by creating a deafening din is what parliamentary politics is all about. Is it surprising then that most bills passed in this session weren’t taken up for threadbare discussions?

The BJP is trying to reach out to the Opposition to end this impasse. It’s time to reciprocate this gesture and bring about normalcy. Going by the estimate of Vijay Goel, a junior minister in Rajya Sabha, if Rs 2.5 lakh is spent per minute in running Parliament, then imagine the loss the nation has incurred in these 14 days. Should the money be deducted from the MPs’ salaries who have made a mockery of the House by raising slogans and rushing to the well? How about deducting the money from the MP’s fund meant for his constituency and make the reason for the deduction public? That way, his voters would know why they are being deprived of the development funds?

India has slipped to 42nd place on an annual Global Democracy Index, its downfall largely attributed to a decline in performance on four parameters: political culture, functioning of government, political participation and civil liberties. If the Opposition truly wants the BJP to answer to the people, it should allow the government to speak.