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| Monsoon Session: Time for Debate, Not Disruption | | | Omkar Dattatray | 7/24/2025 10:48:54 PM |
| In a parliamentary democracy, opposition parties are as crucial as the ruling parties in ensuring the healthy functioning of the system. The opposition has a pivotal role in the smooth operation of the parliament. It is both their privilege and duty to question, criticize, and draw the attention of the treasury benches and the government toward pressing public issues. The opposition is truly the soul of democracy, and the successful working of any democracy is incomplete without the active involvement of opposition parties in the proceedings of the parliament. The role of the opposition, however, should be constructive and positive, rather than destructive or blindly oppositional. Useful and well-reasoned criticism is the need of the hour and essential for the proper functioning of India’s parliamentary democracy. The precious time of parliament must be utilized for meaningful discussions, debates, and deliberations rather than wasted on unnecessary gossip, abuses, allegations, and counter-allegations.
As the current monsoon session of parliament commenced on 21st July 2025, it is essential that both houses avoid descending into chaos or becoming arenas of disruption and pandemonium. Parliament is a forum where public issues, concerns, and national matters must be addressed constructively by both the ruling and opposition benches.
A functioning democracy depends on this harmony, as only through cooperation can the business of the parliament move forward without friction or stalemate.
Both the ruling and opposition parties must recognize their respective responsibilities toward the nation. The parliament exists for the people, who are its true masters, and its sessions must reflect the seriousness and dignity that citizens expect.
The time and energy of parliamentarians, as well as the institution itself, should not be consumed by petty conflicts or personal attacks. Rather, parliament must remain a platform for positive, well-informed, and solution-oriented debates that uphold its prestige and contribute to national progress.
In the modern era, the proceedings of both houses are broadcast live, not only to the citizens of India but to audiences worldwide. Every action, statement, and disruption is closely watched and scrutinized. This makes it even more important for parliamentarians to conduct themselves with dignity and restraint, ensuring that the decorum and discipline of the institution are upheld. A parliament session resembling a fish market tarnishes the image of India and undermines the credibility of its democratic system. Members must avoid indulging in unnecessary gossips, flimsy issues, or unruly behavior, and instead channel their energies toward the betterment of the nation through constructive dialogue.
The current monsoon session holds special significance as it is taking place in the aftermath of the horrific Pahalgam terrorist attack and the subsequent Operation Sindoor. On the very first day of this session, tributes were paid to the 26 innocent people who lost their lives in the Pahalgam attack, a somber reminder of the threats faced by the nation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has rightly referred to this session as a festival of joy, celebrating the valor and success demonstrated during Operation Sindoor, where the might and prowess of the Indian Army were on full display.
The world witnessed India’s resilience and strength, and naturally, the achievements of Operation Sindoor deserve discussion and recognition within the parliament. However, it is ironic that certain opposition parties, including the Congress, appear reluctant to engage in meaningful discussions regarding Operation Sindoor.
Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, has even gone to the extent of projecting Operation Sindoor as a failure on foreign soil, creating a misleading narrative that undermines India’s image abroad. Such statements have fueled unnecessary controversy and distorted global perceptions of the operation.
While constructive debate and critical examination of any government action are vital in a democracy, deliberately downplaying the nation’s achievements or promoting narratives that harm India’s image is counterproductive and detrimental to national interests.
Instead of engaging in informed discussions on Operation Sindoor, the opposition seems intent on focusing exclusively on the so-called failures of the Modi government, particularly its perceived inability to prevent the Pahalgam attack and lapses in the investigation that followed. While raising such concerns is well within the rights of the opposition, there is a pressing need for cooperation between the government and opposition in the fight against terrorism, especially in sensitive regions like Jammu and Kashmir.
Political point-scoring on matters of national security can only weaken the collective resolve of the nation and embolden its adversaries.
Over the first two days of the monsoon session, significant time has already been wasted due to sloganeering and disruptions, with opposition parties demanding discussions on the Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor but simultaneously stalling proceedings. Such obstruction not only diminishes the credibility of the parliament but also prevents the discussion of other urgent public issues that affect millions of citizens.
The people of India look toward their representatives to work collectively, debate constructively, and deliver results—not to engage in endless theatrics and disruptions.
For the monsoon session to be meaningful, parliament must function without obstruction, with both ruling and opposition members contributing responsibly. The focus should remain firmly on public interest, addressing key issues such as national security, economic development, employment, social welfare, and other concerns of the common citizen. Smooth and uninterrupted functioning of parliament is essential to maintain public trust in democratic institutions. The dignity of the houses must be preserved, ensuring that debates and discussions enhance, rather than diminish, the stature of the parliament and its members. At a time when the nation is recovering from the shock of a gruesome terror attack and simultaneously celebrating the success of a major counter-terror operation, it is imperative for all political parties to demonstrate unity and maturity. The government and the opposition must find common ground, ensuring that the business of the parliament moves forward efficiently and purposefully. Parliament must not be reduced to a battleground of personal rivalries or partisan politics but must rise as the supreme forum of debate, deliberation, and decision-making for the welfare of the nation.
In conclusion, the monsoon session of 2025 offers an opportunity for India’s parliamentary democracy to rise above pettiness and discord. Public issues of importance must be taken up for thorough debate and constructive discussion, and parliament’s time must not be wasted on needless disruptions.
The credibility of the nation’s democratic system depends on the maturity and sense of duty demonstrated by its elected representatives.
Both the ruling and opposition parties must act with responsibility, allowing the parliament to function with dignity and purpose, ensuring that the will and interests of the people - the true sovereigns in a democracy—remain paramount.
(The Writer is a columnist and retired Education
Officer) |
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