Unsavoury logjam

THE Monsoon Session of Parliament is hitting the headlines for the wrong reasons: the suspension of 27 Opposition MPs for ‘unruly behaviour’, the heckling of Congress chief Sonia Gandhi by the treasury benches and the furore over Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury’s derogatory remark against the new President. The session, which began on July 18 and is scheduled to conclude on August 13, might turn out to be another washout if the disruptions continue and no significant business is transacted over the next two weeks.

Chowdhury owes an apology to the nation for his ‘Rashtrapatni’ jibe. It’s not good enough that he has expressed regret in a letter to the President. However, it is unreasonable of the BJP to demand an apology from Sonia for what her party colleague blurted out. Members of the ruling party didn’t exactly cover themselves in glory when they ‘encircled and heckled Sonia pack-wolf style’, as described by TMC leader Mahua Moitra. The derisive sloganeering against the six-time MP, who heads a national party, was a new low in India’s parliamentary annals.

The government is justified in insisting on discipline and decorum in the House, but drastic action aimed at stifling protests by the Opposition is uncalled for. Price rise, GST on essentials, inflation, Agnipath scheme – these are burning issues which merit a constructive debate in both Houses of Parliament. The government needs to climb down from its extreme position in order to facilitate a meaningful dialogue. There is nothing new about the suspension of MPs, but it has become a regular feature in recent years. At times, the punishment has been disproportionate to the members’ misconduct. An accommodating approach towards the Opposition will enable the government to ensure that the business of the House is not impacted. The Opposition, in turn, should desist from going the provocative way. Elected representatives owe it to the electorate to highlight matters of public interest rather than indulging in a prolonged slanging match. The nasty discord, which is threatening to sour the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations, must not be allowed to drag on. 

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