There are institutions and moments which rise above politics and touches what lies beneath. Parliament is one such, the temple of democracy. Two Houses, Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, it’s heart and mind to debate where peoples’ voice is heard through their representatives and Government called to account.
Sunday it was much more, as a new building constructed in Independent India was unveiled replacing one built under colonial rule in 1927 as Council House. A historic and grand occasion leaving an indelible signature on history etched in stone to reclaim India’s physical footprints from its colonial past for generations to come as icons and symbols sustain a nation’s journey into the future. A poetic linking of the past with its present.
If splendor and hi-tech amenities reflected new ambitions, consecrates a self-reliant country, sharp political rhetoric, acrimony, war of statements and tweets acted as a drag on that ambition. Certainly the boycott by 19 Opposition Parties which control 11 States of the new building’s inauguration underscored its politics as usual showcasing their pettiness, trust deficit and bitter deep divide with the Modi Sarkar.
Their angst was why the President as Constitutional head was not invited to inaugurate it, instead of the Prime Minister. Resulting in a tu-tu-mein-mein. “The soul of democracy has been sucked out… no value in new building… Modi is hogging limelight as always …erosion of democratic institutions, templates and temper, foisting his brand of Hindu nationalism.” Also, why the inaugural date coincided with Hindu ideologue Savarkar’s birthday, whom Opposition dubs divisive.
While Congress’s Rahul acerbically described it “Modi’s coronation”, RJD rubbished the building as a “coffin” and NCP’s Sharad Pawar said he was happy he didn’t attend as it took India backwards. Questionably, how does offering prayers and presence of sadhus connate backwardness? Is’nt it a part of our national ethos?
The Opposition stated it was boycotting the building not Parliament. But it is this building they will enter next session and fight for tooth and nail in 2024. They cannot boycott it indefinitely so why make its inaugural a symbol of protest? There are 100 other ways to complain about and call for restoration of democratic procedures and practices as Parliament belongs as much to Treasury benches as Opposition.
They forget a brutal truth: Parliament’s will last beyond Modi and history will record that Opposition lost their place in the historic opening when the new building was dedicated to the nation marking a new chapter in India’s Parliamentary democracy. No one will go into why they were absent.
By staying away the Congress has much to lose, more so after its victory in Karnataka when people are beginning to look at it afresh. Adroitly not only has BJP co-opted Congress heroes Patel, Ambedkar, Azad but also given Modi a walkover whereby he can take sole credit for giving India its new Parliament.
Thereby earning for itself the nickname cry baby! Specially as there are numerous instances of Sonia Gandhi inaugurating Assembly buildings in Manipur, Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh, Indira inaugurated Parliament’s Annexe and Rajiv its library wing without worrying about Constitutional niceties.
Also if Opposition chose the wrong moment, the Government too issued only a half-hearted invitation. The Prime Minster should have shown magnanimity and personally invited Opposition leaders and Chief Ministers of Opposition-ruled States who represent India’s diversity and divergence of views in a rare unifying moment. By placing himself at the centre of ceremonies he made the moment more political and less encompassing of our diverse palette.
Moreover,the new Parliament has been riddled with controversy from day one: What is the need for it? Would not it be better to spend monies on creating jobs than on a new building? The old structure should be renovated, strengthened, expanded with modern technologies and refurbished as other countries including UK have done.
Undeniably, that Parliament has not lived up to its promise and possibility is an old story given new urgency by BJP’s unwillingness or inability to reach out across the aisle to the Opposition and strike a conversation. Today, it is a shrunken place unable to shake off the narrowness of political spirit that pervades it. From disruption of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, controversial laws passed sans debate to the relegation of Parliamentary committees.
Besides, given Parliament’s legatee of rich legacy our leaders should stand on tiptoe and look to the future, be more judicious in their decision making mindful of its long term positions be it the din of hoots and heckles, raised fists, chairs and mikes, stalling Parliament indefinitely, walking out of the Houses repeatedly.
What use in a new Parliament if it can’t house thoughtful civil debates and well-scrutinised laws that make things better for citizens. In this Lok Sabha barely 13% bills were sent to committees till monsoon last. This number was 27% in the 16th Lok Sabha. None want a repeat of the 17th Lok Sabha criticized for hurried law-making, without due diligence, debate or discussion or 15th which was the least productive in the hours it met.
Today it faces three challenges: One, the growing chasm between Treasury Benches and Opposition. The last few sessions of the Houses were disrupted by both sides highlighting both have retreated into their respective ideological positions. The BJP feels its democratic mandate is being disrespected, the Opposition is upset by Government’s using its numerical superiority to ram through legislation and short-circuiting Parliamentary process.
Two, there is need to bolster Parliamentary process as its primary function of scrutinizing bills drafted by Government is suffering. Lawmakers will need to look at measures that carve out dedicated time for both sides to raise issues and have sufficient scope to scrutinise key legislation.
Three, the deadline of 2026 for redrawing Parliamentary constituencies and possible increasing the number of legislators. The new Lok Sabha can seat 888 and Rajya Sabha 384. The day is not far when more members will be seated in its chambers. Already there is consternation that if the population-based representation method is followed some regions will lose out on political heft. Hence, there will be renewed negotiations for calibrating our democracy.
Our leaders need to realize Parliament is the repository of people will symbolising their supremacy in Parliamentary democracy through Government and Opposition. Both sides need and must find a way out of the separate corners they have backed themselves into with iron will and sincerity for people’s sake and let a new dawn stream in.
They need to create a compact on structural reforms in Parliament including carving out more dedicated time to raise issues. Remember, Parliament serves as the nerve centre of the world’s largest democracy, the primary vehicle for promise of democratic governance.
India is at a critical moment faced with a window to reap its demographic dividend. Our political class must rise to the moment else history will not forgive them. They must make new Parliament in a meaningful way. As India democracy’s is precious but fragile. —- INFA
