| The winter session crisis: Parliament needs debate, not disorder | | | Lalit Gargg
India’s Winter Session of Parliament, which began on 1 December, was expected to be productive, especially after an amicable all-party meeting in which both the government and the Opposition agreed on the need for smooth conduct of the House. But even before the session could gather momentum, the Opposition signaled stormy days ahead. What was anticipated became reality today: the Opposition launched loud protests, raised slogans, and forced repeated adjournments over the contentious S.I.R. issue, turning the very first sittings of the session into scenes of confrontation rather than deliberation. Raising questions is unquestionably the constitutional right and responsibility of the Opposition. But the real concern is whether this right will manifest as constructive debate or degenerate, yet again, into disruptions that shame our parliamentary democracy. The monsoon session was overshadowed by “Operation Sindoor”; this time the epicenter of conflict is S.I.R. — and it has already begun to dominate the proceedings with unusual ferocity.
Today’s scenes inside Parliament painted a troubling picture. Opposition MPs stormed the Well of the House, displayed placards despite clear prohibitions, and insisted on an immediate discussion on S.I.R. before any legislative business could proceed. Several Opposition leaders accused the government of “evading accountability,” while Treasury benches countered that the Opposition was “not interested in debate, only disruption.” The Speaker’s repeated appeals for order went unheeded, leading to multiple adjournments before noon. What was meant to be the beginning of a constructive winter session became a replay of India’s recurring parliamentary paralysis. Yet this situation is ironic. Just 48 hours earlier, leaders of 36 political parties sat together in an all-party meeting where the Opposition had clearly articulated its desire for debates on national security, S.I.R., economic concerns, pollution, and foreign policy. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said then that no party expressed intent to stall the session. The meeting was marked by cordiality, hopeful dialogue, and a shared commitment that Parliament must function. But today’s protests reveal how quickly this consensus collapsed.
This session is crucial. Spread across 15 working days until 19 December, it is slated to introduce significant legislation, including the Education Bill, amendments in Corporate Law, reforms in Road Transport, and the Health Security & National Security Cess Bill, 2025 — which seeks to strengthen India’s health and security infrastructure through a dedicated levy. Each proposed bill demands mature, reasoned debate. But disruptions cost the nation priceless hours and derail legislative progress. India has witnessed, over the years, a steady erosion of parliamentary productivity. The last session was one of the weakest in history — Lok Sabha’s productivity hovered around 31 percent and Rajya Sabha’s around 39 percent. Shouting matches, placard protests, storming the Well, desk-thumping, and forced adjournments have become distressingly familiar. These scenes wound the dignity of the world’s largest democracy.
When will our elected representatives realize that every minute of Parliament represents the hard-earned money of India’s 140 crore citizens? Waste of a single minute is an assault on the soul of democracy. Parliament is not merely a stage for rhetoric; it is the supreme forum for shaping national policy and law, and for setting the direction of India’s development. The essence of democracy lies in the vigilance, responsibility, and dignity of those chosen to represent the people. Every moment of Parliament should be purposeful and nationally relevant. Discussions must elevate public interest, and debates must meet the standards of civility and maturity expected of a great democracy.
The government’s initiative to convene a pre-session all-party meeting is a healthy tradition and a ray of hope. But the contrast between the calm, cooperative environment of that meeting and the chaos observed inside Parliament today is stark. Democracy permits disagreements, but not disorder. Parliament is the sacred platform where differences must be converted into dialogue — not disruption. Of course, the Opposition has legitimate demands. Its insistence on a discussion on S.I.R. and national security issues is understandable. But raising issues must not become synonymous with derailing proceedings. The government must respond respectfully and transparently. Both sides must remember: confrontation is not governance; cooperation is. Fourteen important legislative proposals await Parliament’s consideration. Their passage is not solely the government’s responsibility. The Opposition has an equally vital role — to offer constructive suggestions, propose meaningful amendments, and guide legislation in the national interest. Democracy is a chariot with two wheels — the government and the Opposition. If either wheel falters, the chariot cannot move forward.
India must draw a new line in Parliament — a line of dignity, constitutional propriety, rational debate, and unwavering national interest. Around the world, debates may be heated, but decorum is rarely abandoned. India must restore this tradition. The Opposition’s task is to question the government, but that questioning must be rooted in facts, reasoning, and readiness to listen. During recent sessions, a growing tendency has emerged: to ask questions but refuse to hear answers. This violates the very spirit of parliamentary democracy. Parliament is being reduced to an arena of political combat, rather than a forum of deliberation and solution. Government too must avoid arrogance of majority and respond with humility; but the Opposition must abandon its habit of obstructionism. Parliament works only when both sides act responsibly. The nation watches this winter session with hope. Inflation, unemployment, security, foreign policy, social harmony, economy, agriculture, education, and justice — these are pressing national concerns demanding thoughtful debate. If Parliament remains an arena of protests, how will solutions emerge? Laws matter only when institution’s function.
The dignity of Parliament is the dignity of India. MPs are not merely representatives of parties; they are custodians of the nation’s democratic soul. Their words, conduct, and debates shape the future of Indian politics. It is worrying that many young citizens now view Parliament not as a model of democracy but as a symbol of disorder. Parliament’s decorum is not the responsibility of the Speaker alone — it rests on every MP. Respect for the Chair, adherence to rules, subject-focused debate, and civility even in dissent are the foundational pillars of parliamentary character. If these erode, Parliament loses its sanctity. This winter session must mark a new beginning. Let it be remembered not for chaos, but for constructive debate; not for walkouts, but for wise decisions; not for disruptions, but for national resolve. If both government and Opposition draw a new line of discipline, dignity, and responsibility, this session can become a milestone in India’s democratic journey. The all-party meeting set the tone with peace and consensus. It now falls upon Parliament to uphold that spirit inside the House. If that happens, it will not merely be the success of a session — it will be a triumph of Indian democracy itself. |
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