Regardless of the reasons being cited, disruptions and delays in Parliament proceedings are completely unjustified and inexplicable (Editorial, Aug.3). Equally so is Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s stoic silence on key issues such as Vyapam and Lalitgate. By causing continuous disruption, our parliamentarians are displaying a lack of concern for the loss of tax-payers’ money. Shouldn’t there be a rule that the money lost in disruptions be recovered from the salaries of those who indulge in disruptive behaviour?
N. Venkata Sai Praveen,
Chennai
It appears as though the only point in the Opposition’s agenda is to demand the resignation of the three politicians in question. Instead of putting forward such demands and hampering parliamentary procedures, it must help in passing many crucial and pending Bills. My advice to them: ‘Please stop entering the well. You are disrupting the essence of our parliamentary democracy’.
Anand Mohan,
New Delhi
If the BJP wants to blame the Congress for disrupting Parliament and damaging the economy, the media should also highlight the disruptive behaviour that was caused by the BJP when it was in the Opposition. What was the loss then? And how will it compensate us for this sum? While the BJP is at liberty to deny having caused such a loss, the Congress too deserves the benefit of the doubt now. I also feel that without the much-talked about pending Bills, the economy grew by about 10-11 per cent. Then why the fuss?
M. Balakrishnan,
Bengaluru
Slogan shouting and placard waving cannot replace substantive discussions, for which the ruling party is ready. The rules relating to procedure and the conduct of business in both Houses of Parliament provide for suspension of MPs in the event of grave disorder occasioned by them moving into the well of the House or abusing the Rules persistently and wilfully obstructing business by shouting slogans or otherwise. One fails to understand why these important provisions are not being invoked to enable the smooth functioning of the Houses.
S.N. Srinivasan,
Bengaluru
It is sad that the Opposition is wasting public money by disrupting Parliament. The Constitution has provided ample ways in the form of questions, petitions, resolutions, bills and motions to hold the government accountable on matters to be discussed. The effect that a statement from the government can have on the floor of the House would be much more significant than the current political tactics of pushing for adjournments.
Why then is due procedure not being followed? This shows a bankruptcy of ideas and a reluctance to follow the due course of registering dissent.
Rohit Kumar,
New Delhi
Senior citizens of this country have fond memories of how proceedings in the State Assemblies and Parliament went on smoothly in the past. For instance in Tamil Nadu, one can recall how Chief Ministers C.N. Annadurai and M. Karunanidhi and Opposition leaders like Dr. Hande and R. Karuthiruman engaged in healthy but charged debates. Why don’t the Opposition parties think of going on a hunger strike after or before the proceedings in order to express their protest and displeasure?
R. Sridharan,
Chennai
The current session of the House has ground to a halt under the weight of antagonistic stands taken by the ruling party and the Opposition. The minuscule Congress party, wanting to avenge its defeat in the general election, is determined to oppose the BJP and its allies, while the BJP, with its overwhelming majority in the Lok Sabha, seems to care little for the Congress or its tantrums. A pernicious practice is being established where, by design or otherwise, the ruling party and the Opposition will not see eye to eye on various issues. This is a body blow to the raison de'tre of Parliament which, in a microcosm, represents the hopes and aspirations of millions of Indians. Has Mr. Modi forgotten his promise of a ‘politics of consultation’ with all the parties?
V. Nagarajan,
Chennai
I am only reminded in this context of an anecdote from history. During the height of the Cold War, Churchill, when asked why he was still engaging Soviet Russia in talks instead of calling them off, said: “To jaw-jaw is always better than to war-war.”
V. Jagadeesan,
Hyderabad
