Shashi Tharoor: Disruptions in Parliament Have Let India Down

Shashi Tharoor criticized the ongoing disruptions in Parliament, stating that they have failed to address key issues like unemployment and social unrest. He emphasized the need for collaborative efforts between the government and opposition to restore effective functioning in the upcoming budget session.

Shashi Tharoor, a Member of Parliament representing the Congress party, has expressed his concern regarding the ongoing disruptions in the Indian Parliament. He remarked that the parliamentary proceedings have been marred by conflict, particularly emphasizing the recent tensions between the Congress and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) concerning comments made about B.R. Ambedkar. Tharoor conveyed that the Parliament has failed to serve its foundational purpose, leaving the people of India disheartened in light of pressing national issues that require urgent attention.

Tharoor noted, “Most of our MPs are disappointed. I think that there are a lot of major issues to be discussed in our country, including unemployment, price rise, [and] Manipur.” He criticized the extensive time wasted due to disruptions, which he believes detracts from meaningful discourse on vital topics such as violence in Sambhal and the economic challenges facing the nation.

While recognizing that constructive work is being conducted within parliamentary committees, Tharoor pointed out that persistent disruptions hinder the Parliament’s efficiency. He called for cooperation between the central government and the opposition to ensure smoother parliamentary operations moving forward.

He articulated his perspective on the role of Parliament: “To my mind, Parliament is a forum for debate, discussion, and disagreements certainly but not for disruption.” He emphasized that an agreement had been reached for protests to occur outside while parliamentary work continued, a plan that ultimately failed.

In light of the recent scuffles and disruptions that characterized the last session, Tharoor expressed hope that such events would not recur in the upcoming budget session slated for February-March 2024. The Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha had been adjourned recently due to protests related to remarks made by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, which ignited significant unrest within the Parliament.

The Indian Parliament has recently faced significant turmoil, largely stemming from confrontations between different political factions. The current situation reflects a broader concern regarding the efficacy of parliamentary governance and the need for constructive discourse on pressing national issues. With rising concerns over unemployment, inflation, and social unrest, particularly in states like Manipur and Sambhal, the ability of Parliament to address these matters effectively is being scrutinized. This backdrop highlights the importance of a cooperative approach among parties to foster a productive legislative environment.

In summary, Shashi Tharoor has underscored the urgent need for a more collaborative approach within the Indian Parliament to address pressing national issues effectively. The recent disruptions not only hinder legislative progress but also reflect a broader failure to meet the expectations of the constituents. Moving forward, it is imperative that both the government and opposition work together to ensure that parliamentary discussions are productive and not mired in conflict.

Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com