Sir,
L K Advani’s anguish over politics taking centre stage is justified as the winter session of Parliament ended without much business being transacted . Both Government and opposition are equally to blame, especially in the backdrop of NDA Government having conducted a major exercise like demonetisation that affects every aspect of society. Earlier opposition parties had closed ranks to force Government into a debate on demonetisation that would entail voting. By the time they came around to debate the issue without any rule, the Government seemingly did not oblige.
This is reminiscent of 2010 when the entire winter session was washed out over the 2G spectrum allocation scam during UPA-II. Now the opposition led by Congress claims that this is first time in history that treasury benches have disrupted Parliament proceedings, while Government is running away from debate. Both sides need to heed Advani’s advice, especially when he invoked Atal Behari Vajpayee.
There was a glimmer of hope when Rights of Persons with Disability Bill was passed by Parliament but subsequently more than 80 per cent of time has been lost in partisan bickering this winter session . Both Government and opposition parties agree that GST will be beneficial for the economy.
The Government cannot afford disruptions of such magnitude which have dealt a severe blow to the institution of Parliament. Government’s crisis managers need to reach out to opposition and have better floor management in the House in the future. Both sides must realize that debate is the only democratic way of making the Government accountable for its action.
Yours etc…
Harihar Swarup
New Delhi
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