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The Indian parliamentary system, the cornerstone of the world's largest democracy, frequently faces challenges that undermine its effectiveness and purpose. Kiren Rijiju, the Parliamentary Affairs Minister, recently articulated a crucial observation: frequent disruptions in the House, often orchestrated by the opposition, ultimately harm the opposition's ability to hold the government accountable more than they impede the government's functioning. This statement, made at the Sansad Ratna Awards event, highlights a critical paradox within parliamentary proceedings. While the opposition's role is fundamentally to scrutinize government actions and policies, persistent disruptions can effectively silence their own voices and diminish their capacity to perform this essential function. Rijiju's remarks serve as a potent reminder of the delicate balance required for a thriving democracy, one where robust debate and critical questioning are not only encouraged but also conducted within a framework of order and respect for the parliamentary process. The minister's perspective warrants careful consideration, as it sheds light on the complex interplay between political strategy, parliamentary decorum, and the ultimate goal of serving the public interest through effective governance. When the House is repeatedly adjourned due to protests and uproar, the vital questions that should be posed to the government remain unasked, and the opportunity to hold the executive branch responsible for its actions is squandered. This loss, Rijiju argues, is felt most acutely by the opposition, who effectively cede their power to influence policy and shape the direction of the nation. The essence of parliamentary democracy lies in the ability of elected representatives to engage in meaningful dialogue, challenge the status quo, and propose alternative solutions to the challenges facing the country. Disruptions, however, create an environment of chaos and prevent such constructive engagement from taking place. They transform the House from a forum for deliberation into a stage for theatrical protests, where the focus shifts from substantive issues to symbolic gestures. While the right to protest and dissent is undoubtedly a fundamental aspect of a free society, it must be exercised responsibly and with due regard for the integrity of the parliamentary process. The goal should be to amplify the voices of the opposition and hold the government accountable, not to silence all voices and render the House incapable of performing its essential duties. Furthermore, Rijiju's observations touch upon the broader issue of public perception and trust in political institutions. When Parliament is seen as dysfunctional and prone to disruptions, it can erode public confidence in the democratic process as a whole. Citizens may become disillusioned with the political system and less likely to participate in civic life. This, in turn, can create a dangerous cycle of apathy and disengagement, weakening the foundations of democracy itself. Therefore, it is incumbent upon all members of Parliament, regardless of their political affiliation, to uphold the dignity of the House and conduct themselves in a manner that fosters respect and trust. This requires a commitment to constructive dialogue, a willingness to listen to opposing viewpoints, and a recognition that the ultimate goal is to serve the best interests of the nation as a whole. It also requires a willingness to compromise and find common ground, even on issues where there are deep divisions. The pursuit of political advantage should not come at the expense of the integrity of the parliamentary process or the well-being of the country.
Rijiju's comments also highlight the often-overlooked perspective of bureaucrats and government officials. As he noted, these individuals sometimes express relief when Parliament is adjourned, as it allows them to avoid the intense scrutiny and questioning that can occur during parliamentary sessions. This observation underscores the critical role that Parliament plays in ensuring government accountability. When the House is functioning effectively, ministers are forced to answer tough questions about their policies and actions, and bureaucrats are held responsible for implementing those policies in a transparent and efficient manner. However, when Parliament is disrupted, this system of checks and balances is undermined, and the government is given greater leeway to operate without fear of accountability. The implications of this are far-reaching. Without effective parliamentary oversight, there is a greater risk of corruption, inefficiency, and abuse of power. Government officials may be tempted to act in their own self-interest or in the interest of powerful lobbying groups, rather than in the best interests of the public. Furthermore, the lack of accountability can lead to a decline in the quality of governance, as officials are less likely to be held responsible for their mistakes or failures. Therefore, ensuring that Parliament is able to function effectively is not just about maintaining decorum and order, it is also about safeguarding the integrity of the government and protecting the interests of the public. It is about ensuring that those in power are held accountable for their actions and that the government operates in a transparent and responsible manner. Rijiju's remarks also touch upon the evolving nature of political discourse in the digital age. He observes that social media has fundamentally changed the dynamics of parliamentary proceedings, with disruptions now often occurring on day one of a session. This suggests that the desire to generate headlines and capture attention on social media has become a significant factor in shaping the behavior of MPs. In the past, parliamentarians may have been more inclined to engage in substantive debate and constructive dialogue, even if they disagreed on fundamental issues. However, the rise of social media has created a new incentive structure, where the rewards go to those who are able to generate the most attention, regardless of the substance of their message. This can lead to a focus on sensationalism and grandstanding, rather than on thoughtful deliberation and policy analysis. It can also create a climate of polarization and division, where MPs are more likely to attack their opponents than to seek common ground. Therefore, it is important for parliamentarians to be mindful of the impact of social media on their behavior and to resist the temptation to prioritize headlines over substance. They should strive to use social media as a tool for engaging with the public and promoting informed debate, rather than as a platform for generating conflict and division.
The minister's comments extend beyond the immediate context of parliamentary proceedings to address the broader issue of the role of media in shaping public perception. He argues that the media is often more interested in covering disruptions and sensational events than in reporting on substantive policy debates. This, he suggests, creates a perverse incentive for MPs to engage in disruptive behavior, as they know that it is more likely to attract media attention than their actual work. Rijiju cites the example of Sharad Pawar, who presented an excellent agriculture policy but received no media coverage the following day. This anecdote illustrates the challenge that MPs face in trying to promote constructive policies in a media environment that is often driven by negative news and sensationalism. The focus on disruptions and conflict can create a distorted picture of what is actually happening in Parliament and can undermine public trust in the political process. It can also discourage MPs from engaging in thoughtful deliberation and policy analysis, as they know that their efforts are unlikely to be recognized or rewarded. Therefore, it is important for the media to play a more responsible role in covering parliamentary proceedings. It should strive to provide a balanced and accurate account of what is happening in the House, including both the debates and the disruptions. It should also make an effort to highlight the work of MPs who are engaging in constructive policy analysis and promoting the public interest. By doing so, the media can help to foster a more informed and engaged citizenry and can contribute to a more effective and accountable political system. Rijiju's reflections on his own experiences in Parliament provide further insight into the changing dynamics of the institution. He recalls his first encounter with Speaker Somnath Chatterjee, who scolded him for requesting a room for MPs who smoke. This anecdote illustrates the importance of decorum and respect in parliamentary proceedings. In the past, MPs were expected to conduct themselves with dignity and to treat the Speaker with deference. However, Rijiju suggests that this tradition is eroding, with disruptions now occurring on day one of a session. He also notes that senior leaders like Atal Bihari Vajpayee and L.K. Advani set examples of decorum and that MPs in the past were more likely to think twice before speaking because they knew that these stalwarts were listening. This suggests that the loss of decorum is not just a result of social media or the media's focus on disruptions, but also a consequence of the changing leadership and culture of Parliament. Therefore, it is important for current and future generations of parliamentarians to learn from the examples of these past leaders and to strive to uphold the dignity and integrity of the institution.
Finally, Rijiju's comments touch upon the demanding nature of the job of an Indian legislator. He notes that Indian MPs represent a much larger population than their counterparts in developed countries and are often expected to deal with a wide range of personal grievances and local issues, in addition to their parliamentary responsibilities. This suggests that Indian MPs face a unique set of challenges and that their performance should be evaluated in light of these challenges. They are often expected to be both legislators and social workers, addressing the day-to-day concerns of their constituents while also contributing to the broader policy debates in Parliament. This can be a demanding and stressful job, and it is important to recognize the sacrifices that MPs make in serving their constituents and the country. Rijiju's concluding remarks focus on the importance of recognizing and celebrating the achievements of parliamentarians. He congratulates the recipients of the Sansad Ratna Awards, including Supriya Sule, Bhartruhari Mahtab, N K Premachandran, and Shrirang Appa Barne, and emphasizes the need to celebrate good work across party lines. This suggests that he believes that it is important to create a positive and supportive environment for parliamentarians, where their contributions are recognized and valued. By doing so, it is possible to encourage them to engage in constructive policy analysis and to promote the public interest. Rijiju's observations underscore the multifaceted challenges facing the Indian parliamentary system. From the impact of disruptions on government accountability to the changing dynamics of political discourse in the digital age, the issues he raises demand serious attention and concerted efforts to strengthen the foundations of Indian democracy. His call for a more constructive media reporting, coupled with a renewed commitment to decorum and substantive debate among parliamentarians, offers a potential pathway toward a more effective and accountable political system. Ultimately, the health and vitality of Indian democracy depend on the ability of its elected representatives to engage in meaningful dialogue, challenge the status quo, and serve the best interests of the nation as a whole. This requires a commitment to upholding the dignity of the parliamentary process and a willingness to prioritize the public good over partisan advantage. It also requires a recognition that the ultimate goal is to create a more just, equitable, and prosperous society for all Indians. Therefore, Rijiju's remarks serve as a timely and important reminder of the responsibilities that come with holding public office and the need to constantly strive to improve the functioning of the Indian parliamentary system.
In conclusion, Kiren Rijiju's statements serve as a critical analysis of the Indian parliamentary system, highlighting the detrimental effects of frequent disruptions, the importance of government accountability, the evolving role of media, and the challenges faced by Indian legislators. He implicitly argues that while dissent and opposition are crucial components of a functioning democracy, they must be exercised responsibly and within the bounds of parliamentary decorum to avoid undermining the very system they seek to improve. The minister's perspective offers a valuable framework for understanding the complexities of Indian politics and for fostering a more effective and accountable government. His call for constructive media reporting, coupled with a renewed commitment to substantive debate among parliamentarians, provides a potential roadmap for strengthening the foundations of Indian democracy and ensuring that the country's political institutions are able to serve the best interests of its citizens. By recognizing the challenges and embracing the opportunities for improvement, India can further solidify its position as the world's largest and most vibrant democracy.
Source: Frequent disruptions in Parliament harm Opposition more than government: Kiren Rijiju