Dismayed over the repeated disruptions in Parliament, Rajya Sabha chairperson Jagdeep Dhankhar called for a deep introspection by members and pointed out that the Rule 267 under which members seek adjournments to discuss various matters was being “weaponised as a mechanism of disruption.”
Speaking in the Upper House, Dhankhar expressed his “deep anguish, “absolute pain,” over the disruptions that were setting a bad precedence. “We are dishonouring the people of this country. We are not coming up to the expectations. Our actions are not people-centric. They are to absolute public distaste, we are getting into irrelevance, people are ridiculing us, we have virtually become a laughing stock.”
The Rajya Sabha chairman said already three days have been lost due to disruption which amounted to loss of time, and the loss of opportunity by not having question hour.
Both the houses of the Parliaments have faced repeated disruptions by the Opposition members who are demanding discussion of various subjects, including the allegations of bribery against billionaire Gautam Adani, and violence in Sambhal of Uttar Pradesh and Manipur.
Dhankhar does not mince words when it comes to disruptions. A day earlier, in the Rajya Sabha, he had said Parliamentary disruption was not a remedy but a malady that weakens country’s constitutional foundation.
For the Opposition, seeking discussion on topics is a strategy to corner the government on several issues. While a dialogue between the two sides would enable a solution, the MPs want to forcefully put across their point, and disruptions become an essential tool. The Opposition MPs argued that it was the government’s duty to run the house. The government should agree to discussions on the issues raised by the Opposition parties so that the house functions smoothly, the Opposition said.
“If Parliament strays from its constitutional duty to represent people's hopes and aspirations, it is our duty to nurture nationalism, and further democracy. I urge you all to embrace the spirit of meaningful dialogue. Let us return to traditional thoughtful discussion,” Dhankhar had said on Thursday.
As both houses were adjourned till Monday, there was still no solution sight for allowing discussions on contentious issues raised by the Opposition. The government has lined up several legislations during the session, which can only be brought in once the house functions properly.