We can no longer afford to suffer a dysfunctional Parliament

This culture of chaos has not only eroded the sanctity of the institution but has also led to the blatant waste of taxpayers' money

- ADITYA MUKHERJEE

During a recent TV debate, Rajya Sabha member Sagarika Ghose highlighted how frequent walkouts and adjournments in Parliament have prevented discussions on unemployment and the rising prices of vegetables and other essential commodities. Parliament, once envisioned as a beacon of democracy and discourse, now often resembles a battlefield of chaos. In recent years, scenes of unruly behaviour, disruptions, and walkouts have become a regular feature of parliamentary proceedings, overshadowing the critical issues that demand immediate attention.

This culture of chaos has not only eroded the sanctity of the institution but has also led to the blatant waste of taxpayers' money, with little to no productive discussions on pressing matters such as price rise, unemployment, and socio-economic challenges. On December 3, the seventh day of the winter session, Parliament finally conducted some business after six working days were wasted due to vehement protests by the Congress over the Adani indictment issue.

The primary responsibility of Parliament is to deliberate on policies and legislation that affect the lives of millions. However, this fundamental role is increasingly being sidelined by adversarial politics. Members of Parliament, representing diverse political ideologies, seem more intent on scoring brownie points than engaging in meaningful debate. The result is a house divided, with frequent adjournments and disruptions paralysing its functioning.