Assembly or Parliament, temple of democracy

Legislatures are Temples of Democracy

I feel dumbstruck when the events of a last few days in the sphere of our democratic institutions we see, not debates, arguments, fierce oratory, but pandemonium. We see, the Parliament of India rocked by interruptions, disorders, stalemates, which enforces the theory the ‘Devils quoting the scriptures’.  Or we in for autocracy, might is right, or for fighting wars in the four walls of our parliamentary democracy.

We have some of the best Parliamentarians, both in the ruling party, Opposition, and in Politics. Spread across all parties. Our founding fathers had immense nationalism, sentiments, patriotism. There may be different views, manifestation of different thinking, but in true spirit, we have to respect the institutions if we want respect for ourselves.

We have a moral responsibility because we have taken an oath. An oath to preserve the integrity of our cherished institutions. If we do not respect our elders, how can we command respect from our younger ones. Is not running of Parliament or state legislations, involve the exchequer. It is based on people’s faith, the prescription of our Policy as well suited for their well fare, brought us to win in our constituency. Can our action or inaction put them to trouble? Is discipline, not the very essence of our institutions? Should we not create honour by precept and practice? Can we expect our forces to be undisciplined? Can we expect the Police force to be awesome?

In the history of Kerala’s parliamentary democracy, which even saw the first Communist government elected on adult franchise, getting power to rule the state. The faith repository of the most enlightened literate people, who gave power to a Communist Government under veteran E M Shankara Namboodiripad. This is a Guiness Book of World Record entry. 2 years later, another Communist government came to power in Cuba. We had formidable leaders who could through their gift of the gab, oratory, by the might of arguments, pull down governments. Not anymore. The legislators have lost the respect of the people. For, they believe in street fight, proving that might is right. Rushing to the speaker’s podium, squatting in front of the seats. Using placards, shouting slogans, degrading the supremacy of the Speaker by simultaneously creating impediments to the smooth conduct of the house. This is most undemocratic.  

Political leaders must engage in meaningful debates, arguments, express their opinions without fear or favour, and challenge the ruling party or opposition by a string of arguments, characteristic evidence, and should aim at expressing their democratic credentials through the instruments that is provided by the Assembly rules to take head on the ruling party or opposition, as the case may be. But today’s events do not bestow confidence on the well being of democracy, the ruling party or the opposition both throwing decorum to the winds. In 2 minutes all major financial transactions were approved. There may be merit in financial proposals. There might not be merit. Some may be successful projects while some others may not be viable. All these money approvals should be debated, discussed thread bare and then passed. If they are passed in a casual manner, then what is at stake is Crores of Rupees.

Whole parliament sessions have been washed out over lung uproar. Is it healthy democracy? The leaders and the political parties must ponder over this. Anna Hazare advocated the ‘Right to Recall a Representative’ which did not find agreement with the Election Commission nor the Political parties. How can people express their resentment?