- Undoubtedly, the security breach in the Lok Sabha when the winter session of the Parliament is on lays bare the seriousness of the situation that could have been catastrophic if the smoke emanating from the canister eventually turned out to be toxic. Thankfully, the smoke was innocuous leaving the Parliamentarians heaving a sigh of relief. Nonetheless, it does not take away anything from their demand for a thorough inquiry to dig deep into understanding how the perpetrators were allowed into the hallowed hall of the Parliament when the security apparatus is supposed to be watertight. The ease with which the perpetrators brought in the canisters hoodwinking the security apparatus is a grave concern that must be addressed forthwith.
PC: The Indian Express
- The opposition ranks were justified in raising the pitch demanding the blatant security breach witnessed in one of the highly fortified buildings of the country. On its part, the Union Government led by the Home Minister did make the right noises about denigrating the breach and also assuring the parliamentarians about conducting a thorough investigation to understand the motive behind such a move. Unfortunately, what followed in the aftermath of the breach simply defies the logic and maturity expected from the parliamentarians who are hellbent on causing disruptions and demanding the Union Minister to make a statement on the lapse. This is despite the Union Minister assuring to make a statement after the preliminary investigation concludes.
- Now, we as a nation take immense pride in reminding at any given opportunity of being one of the world’s two largest democracies. However, what is currently unfolding in the Parliament shows serious problems bogging the democracy crying for repair, redressal, and reboot. Indeed, democracies around the world are fraught with imperfections, chaos, and lack of symmetry but that’s the beauty of any democracy, you see. In the Indian context, the opposition’s raucous demand for the Home Minister to make a statement has been met by presiding officers suspending 143 opposition MPs from the two houses. Unfortunately, Lok Sabha cleared the three new criminal bills in the din and haze betrays the surface scrutiny it gave them.
PC: Hindustan Times
- The present dispensation at the Centre has displayed tremendous agility and acumen in positioning the country in the geopolitical spotlight powered by its rich democratic credentials, especially as a counterweight to communist China. And it’s also comfortably on track to become the world’s third-largest economy within a decade. But there are also many debates, and there’s distress among many Indians. Amidst all this, Parliament is setting a poor example for the nation. The continued disruptions and logjams when crucial bills are placed for passing show the sheer lack of responsibilities from mature parliamentarians. Strong institutions need strong commitment. The least the opposition should do is to wait for the Home Minister to make a statement.
