- It’s time the political class, irrespective of party affiliation/ideologies/philosophies, earnestly introspect as to how the exalted standards set by the stalwart politicians and leaders of yore have drastically come down over the last two decades or so. The temple of democracy, the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, are the standing symbols of how the country has metamorphosed from being under the reign of the colonial powers to representing people’s aspirations. The hard-fought independence obtained by our ancestors ultimately resulted in the freeing of the country from the clutches of foreign power, allowing for the establishment of self-rule. We know the basic tenet of democratic functioning in India is by the people, of the people, and for the people.
PC: NDTV
- It’s worth reiterating that the two Houses of Parliament are not only expected to formulate the course of the country’s growth and development in line with the fast-changing times commensurate with what’s happening around the world, but also ensure the socio-welfare tenets of the Constitution are upheld assiduously, providing all that is basic and essential for every countryman irrespective of class, creed, and caste. We know that the ruling dispensation and the opposition have extremely crucial roles to play in furthering the cause of the nation for the common benefits of all concerned. Thus, the bills on every essential aspect are formulated by the ruling dispensation, presented in the two Houses, debated upon, passed, and enacted as laws.
PC: GQ India
- People closely following the political developments and the government functioning would have noticed how the Indian multi-party system has increasingly become polarized, with the communal versus secular narrative assuming center stage. The treasury and the opposition benches have a significant role to play when the bills are introduced as part of the governing responsibilities, robustly debated, concerns raised, further fine-tuning demanded as and when required, and eventually passed by following the norms of the Houses to become an enacted law for dissemination and implementation. Here, what must be emphasized in no uncertain terms is the thrust on healthy discussion among the parliamentarians.
PC: EL PAÍS English
- Unfortunately, what’s happening over the years is an increasingly belligerent diatribe, personal attacks, rampant obstructions, and ruckus/pandemonium created at the drop of a hat by the opposition parties, disallowing any meaningful functioning of the Houses. Frequent walkouts and adjournments have become the norm rather than an exception. The onus is on senior parliamentarians representing both the ruling and the opposition to set aside parochial considerations and actively participate in the nation-building efforts. For what is at stake is the future of the nation to meet the aspirations of the people. Sadly, there simply appears to be no trust between the treasury and the opposition benches. This doesn’t augur well for the nation.
