Recently former Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad said the Parliament should be allowed to function smoothly as abstention from proceedings by the opposition is a loss for a common man.
Azad, who has also served as the Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha maintained that he was against disrupting the functioning of the House.
He posed a direct question to the parliamentarians that if they do not allow the House to function, then why do they get elected? Entering the House means that they have to raise the national, international, and domestic issues, and the problems of the people in the Parliament before the government.
Disruptions lead to public issues getting ignored and voice of people not reaching the echelons of power. Democracy thrives on dialogue, not disruption.
Azad’s reflections carried the moral authority of someone who has worked under towering leaders, including Indira Gandhi, who once advised him, “You have come to Parliament to speak, not to create ruckus.” That wisdom rings true even today. Constructive debate, not competitive chaos, is the cornerstone of parliamentary democracy.
Azad’s comments come amid opposition protests in the Rajya Sabha over Operation Sindoor and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) issue. While the right to dissent is sacrosanct, Azad believes it must be exercised through engagement, not absence. When the opposition vacates the field, it abdicates its duty to scrutinize and hold the executive accountable.
On the Pahalgam terror attack, Azad showed statesmanship by suggesting the chapter be closed to allow focus on justice and healing. He also commended security forces for their successful Operation Mahadev, reiterating his consistent stand—operations must be robust but respectful of human rights.
Azad’s stand on international claims—like Donald Trump’s assertion of brokering India-Pakistan ceasefire—was again balanced. He urged faith in Prime Minister Modi’s word, emphasizing that the PM’s assertion on the matter must be accepted unless proven otherwise. This rare gesture of cross-party trust is a lesson in maturity, especially when national interest is at stake.
In essence, Ghulam Nabi Azad’s statements are not just personal reflections but a roadmap for strengthening democratic institutions. His call for Parliament to function, for leaders to speak with integrity across all platforms, and for political conduct rooted in truth, should resonate with all who cherish democracy. It’s time for opposition to rise above theatrics and return to the serious business of governance. |
