Parliamentary paralysis

February 25, 2016 12:46 am | Updated 12:46 am IST

It is a matter of grave concern that successive parliamentary sessions have turned out to be slugfests between the government and the Opposition on inconsequential issues (“Keeping it parliamentary”, Feb. 24). Meaningful discussions and debates have become a thing of the past. Even before the Parliament session commences, the direction in which it is headed becomes obvious. It is always a game of one-upmanship. Disruptions take place for days together and at the end of the session, some bills are passed hurriedly without any substantial discussion. In some instances, ordinances are issued. Hopefully this Budget session will be different and parliamentarians will conduct themselves in a manner expected of them.

V.Sreemani,Hyderabad

Taking into account the growing unrest in the country, it is hoped that the discussions and debates in the Budget session of Parliament will be constructive and that the ideologies of different parties will not obstruct proceedings, leading to a political impasse once again. It is high time the government came up with rational solutions to real problems and restored the people’s faith in democracy.

Sindhu C.V,Bengaluru

The President’s call to MPs to use Parliament for debate and discussion and not disruption or obstruction is clarion. However, the government is as responsible as the Opposition for the smooth conduct of Parliament. In this vital aspect, the National Democratic Alliance government has been found wanting. It is not uncommon to see even senior ministers launching a tirade against the Opposition, forgetting their main role of policymaking. Issues such as terror, unrest on campuses and reservation agitations are craving for the attention of our MPs. It would be a travesty of justice if members continue to quarrel on non-issues. The Opposition should not allow the government to divert attention from crucial issues.

J. Anantha Padmanabhan,Tiruchirappalli

President Pranab Mukherjee’s advice that debate instead of disruption should take place in Parliament seems to have fallen on deaf ears as the adjournment in Rajya Sabha over Rohith Vemula’s suicide shows. The Opposition seems determined to make Parliament dysfunctional. Though the BJP has accused the Opposition of diverting the nation’s attention, the fact is that had it been in the Opposition it would have indulged in the same kind of ruckus. Such disruption not only holds the government to ransom but is also a drain on the exchequer. When a host of Bills is crying for promulgation, parties must realise that they are not supposed to act in a self-serving and irresponsible manner on the floor of the House. It only makes them unworthy of being elected representatives mandated to look after the welfare of the electorate.

R. Prabhu Raj,Bengaluru

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