DMK MP T Siva expressed his disappointment over the current state of democracy in India, alleging bias and suppression of opposition voices in parliamentary proceedings.
Addressing the media, Siva remarked:
“We are all saddened by the state of democracy in our country. At least we have got a chance to speak before you. Whatever happened in the Upper House today was not telecast properly… Whatever the members of the ruling party spoke was telecast, but when the Leader of the Opposition or other opposition members spoke, they were not shown. Only the chair was displayed.”
Concerns Over Respect for Opposition Leaders
Siva emphasized the alleged disrespect towards the Leader of the Opposition (LoP), particularly Mallikarjun Kharge, stating:
“The LoP, who is equal to the Leader of the House, is not given the slightest respect according to his age. He is suffering, crying, and shouting, but he is not being heard at all. The opposition parties are not being given a fair chance to speak, while the ruling party says whatever it wants. All our shouting has gone in vain.”
JMM MP Mahua Maji Joins Criticism
Rajya Sabha member and JMM MP Mahua Maji echoed similar sentiments, accusing the ruling BJP of silencing the opposition:
“The way the ruling party is suppressing the voice of the opposition shows that they are moving towards autocracy. They are insulting the Leader of the Opposition and preventing opposition leaders from speaking in Parliament.”
Maji also highlighted instances of perceived disrespect towards Dalits and farmers:
“The government constantly insults Dalits and farmers. The President of India, who is a Dalit, was not invited to the inauguration of the new Parliament. The Leader of the Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, who is a Dalit, is not allowed to speak in Parliament. The government also avoids discussions on critical issues like Adani.”
Rajya Sabha Proceedings Adjourned Amid Tensions
The criticism comes after a heated exchange in the Rajya Sabha between Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar and Mallikarjun Kharge over a no-confidence motion against the Chairman. Proceedings were adjourned until December 16 as the confrontation escalated.
Responding to the opposition’s accusations, Chairman Dhankhar declared:
“I will sacrifice my life for the country. The opposition’s actions and words are an insult to the Constitution.”
Conclusion
The ongoing discord highlights the growing divide between the ruling party and the opposition in India’s Parliament. While the opposition alleges autocratic tendencies and suppression of dissent, the ruling party and Rajya Sabha Chairman have countered with assertions of constitutional fidelity. The standoff underscores broader challenges to maintaining democratic decorum and dialogue in the legislative process.