The recently concluded Monsoon Session of India’s Parliament, meant to be a cornerstone of democratic deliberation, ended in a haze of chaos and missed opportunities. Save for a brief discussion on Operation Sindoor, a moment of national pride, the session was marred by relentless disruptions, primarily driven by the opposition’s insistence on debating the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar and allegations of “vote chori” against the Election Commission and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

The government’s refusal to entertain these demands set the tone for a session that saw little meaningful dialogue, with bills passed in haste, often without debate, through voice votes.

This pattern of disruption, lack of consultation, and procedural strong-arming raises profound concerns about the health of India’s parliamentary democracy, undermining the institution’s stature and eroding public trust.

Historically, India’s Parliament has thrived on a delicate balance of confrontation and compromise. Disagreements between the government and opposition are not new; they are the lifeblood of a vibrant democracy.

Yet, in earlier times, peace brokers—senior leaders or neutral figures—would step in to bridge divides through informal or formal discussions. These mediators, often from the ruling party or coalition, would engage with opposition leaders to ensure the House functioned, even amidst disagreements. The current BJP-led NDA government, however, seems to have abandoned this tradition.

The absence of such conciliatory efforts has left the Parliament in a state of perpetual gridlock, with neither side willing to yield. This breakdown in dialogue is not just a failure of political will but a betrayal........

© Free Press Journal