The stalemate in the Parliament—paralyzing both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha for over a week—has once again brought the issue of legislative inefficiency to the forefront. The impasse, fuelled by the Opposition’s protests over bribery allegations involving a prominent business group and communal violence in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, reflects the deep-seated malaise within India’s democratic framework.
While disruptions in Parliament are not new, their recurrence highlights a dangerous trend: the erosion of Parliament’s role as a space for debate, accountability, and governance. The present deadlock, exacerbated by political posturing, underscores a troubling reality: both the ruling party and the Opposition increasingly treat Parliament as a battleground for showcasing electoral strength rather than a platform for collective deliberation.
In the Lok Sabha, despite Speaker Om Birla’s repeated appeals, members from Congress, the Samajwadi Party, the DMK, and others have continued their protests. Similarly, in the Rajya Sabha, Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar’s rejection of adjournment motions failed to prevent Opposition disruptions, forcing multiple adjournments. The introduction of important legislation, such as the Coastal Shipping Bill 2024, was overshadowed by the chaos. This spectacle reduces critical legislative business to collateral damage, leaving pressing national issues unaddressed.
The Parliament today lacks leaders who can bridge divides and foster dialogue. The absence of such figures has deepened partisan divides, transforming the legislature into a theatre of confrontation rather than collaboration. In a democracy as vast and complex as India’s, this inability to engage constructively threatens governance and undermines public trust in institutions.
The stakes are alarmingly high. Unresolved issues, ranging from allegations against the Adani Group to the Manipur crisis, the Places of Worship Act, and the Delhi-Dhaka dialogue, demand immediate attention. Yet, these urgent concerns remain sidelined, buried under partisan agendas.
It is imperative for both the ruling party and the Opposition to introspect and recalibrate their approaches. The ruling party, as the custodian of governance, bears a larger responsibility to ensure the functioning of Parliament. It must demonstrate greater magnanimity, engage with the Opposition meaningfully, and create an environment conducive to constructive debate. Simultaneously, the Opposition must exercise restraint, choosing dialogue over disruption to hold the government accountable effectively.
Our democracy cannot afford a dysfunctional Parliament. It is not just the legislative agenda at stake but also the faith of 1.4 billion citizens in the democratic process. For Parliament to reclaim its role as the highest forum of debate and accountability, it is essential for all parties to prioritize governance over grandstanding. The silence in Parliament must end—the country’s challenges demand no less.