Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju observed that the all-party meeting convened prior to the budget session was smooth and constructive. But, at this point, it would be difficult to say if the budget session itself will be convened as smoothly and peacefully because the elements of din and chaos on some pretext or the other have ‘traditionally’ prevailed during the parliamentary proceedings. The opposition attempts to raise issues which it feels are important but the discussions that are held hardly turn out to be effective. It seems that raising hue and cry over proposals and issues mean that the purpose of discussion has been attained. It may be true that all the din does bring up issues on the surface but the citizens are unaware of how the political parties go about resolving issues raised. In the absence of logical discussions, the nation is left groping for a definite direction. All that the citizens gather about parliamentary proceedings are that there had been chaos in parliament, parliamentarians indulged in sloganeering and that the proceedings in Parliament had to be suspended. The Opposition made it clear in the all-party meeting that it would give priority to the stampede that happened at the Maha Kumbh. It is not incongruous to raise this issue but does it not indicate that the Opposition did not look for issues of national importance?
The Opposition leaders also said that they would raise the issues of inflation and unemployment during the parliamentary budget session but these are nothing new as these issues have been perennially raised to corner the treasury benches but the irony of this is that the replies have become time-worn. It may well be taken for granted that the Opposition will negate the budget proposals placed on the plea that it has nothing for the common man, farmers, youth, women and others. This type of reaction of the Opposition is indicative of its hollow thoughts. The better course to follow would be to convene serious discussions on inflation, unemployment and other budgetary issues rather than disturbing parliamentary proceedings. If creating chaos in the name of raising proposals and issues prevail in Parliament during important sessions, it will tantamount to disgracing the highest platform of people’s expectations. Both, the ruling and opposition parties, must show eagerness to hold meaningful and effective discussions on issues of national importance. This is all the more necessary because, along with the budgetary proposals, discussions on the Wakf board, elections and other legislation are on the cards. No opportunity should be provided to the Opposition for complaining that it had not been allowed to put forth its contentions.
From the Editorial Desk
