- The Indian Parliamentary system of democratic governance evokes strong passions across the country from those citizens keen to debate on the efficacy of the same. The political parties dotting the firmament are largely based on the secular-versus-communal narrative. Add to the mix the labyrinthine caste equations that are not so easily decipherable, the conundrum, i.e., the Indian politics, becomes an entirely fascinating/intriguing aspect. Of course, how can one not mention the innumerable regional parties dotting the vast swathe of the political landscape that makes the situation murkier than ever? Yes, the Indian Constitution is premised on the efficacy of the three important pillars viz. the executive, the legislature, and the judiciary.
PC: India.Com
- Coming to the subject matter, the two Houses of Parliament – the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha – are endowed with the people’s representatives tasked to strategize socio-welfare measures along with a concrete action plan to further the cause of the nation. Thus, the role of the two Houses of Parliament is extremely critical in not only debating about the bills being introduced that would eventually become an act of law, but also discuss threadbare every decision that would be decisive for the country’s growth prospects. Here, the role of the treasury benches headed by the government and the opposition benches made up of the other parties not in power is crucial. The moot point to ponder over here is whether the opposition parties are constructively discharging their avowed responsibilities on the desired lines.
PC: The Hindu
- The answer must be a big no. Where the two Houses were expected to witness healthy debate, layered discussions, free flow of information, and setting aside parochial considerations for the progress of the nation, has been conveniently forgotten. Narrow-minded approach, personal attacks, unsubstantiated claims/counterclaims, mudslinging, and name-calling are leading to severe disruptions, thereby affecting the transactions in the two Houses. Unfortunately, so many crucial bills are being passed without the elected members going through the process of debate that would otherwise iron out the rough edges, as well as allow the opposition viewpoints to be considered for adoption, have been the order of the day.
PC: Mint
- The ruling dispensation at the Centre, when they were in the opposition, was known to severely disrupt the proceedings, and the same medicine is being dished out by the opposition parties now. However, repeatedly indulging in such disruptions will do more harm to the nation’s growth prospects rather than help. The elected representatives have been bestowed with great responsibilities in giving shape to our aspirations. Unfortunately, if those same elected representatives fail to rise above parochial considerations, the nation suffers immensely. Thus, the onus is squarely on our political leaders, irrespective of party affiliations, to collectively push for introducing measures that would aid the nation’s progress rather than stall it.
