Parliamentary democracy is diminishing!

Bhopal, Mar 01: Boycott of Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan’s speech in the state assembly two days ago by the main opposition Congress raised eyebrows in political circles. Political leaders cutting across party lines believe that this is not a healthy precedence in democracy. They also feel that it calls for serious introspection on the part of Congress, which is heading UPA government in Centre.

The legislators were discussing on the thanks motion on Governor Balram Jakhar’s address at the commencement of Budget session. In particular, conduct of former Chief Minister and AICC General Secretary Digvijay Singh was most controversial. The AICC General Secretary led the opposition charged during debate on motion of thanks, leveling a range of allegation against Shivraj government, but when the Chief Minister responded point by point, Digvijay was missing kicking off a debate if such behaviour was healthy for parliamentary democracy. Surprisingly, not only Digvijay Singh, the main opposition Congress member remained out of the house boycotting the speech of Shivraj.

Whip of state Congress in the assembly Sajjan Singh Verma stated that before Shivraj, Leader of the Opposition Jamuna Devi was opposing the motion, but the cabinet members continued to interrupt her following which without completing her speech, she had left the House. However, claimed that boycotting a Chief Minister who is facing corruption charges, is justified. “Former Chief Minister Uma Bharti had quit the office after knowing that an FIR was registered against her on national flag dishonouring issue. But in case of Shivraj Singh Chouhan, a case of corruption has been registered against him,” he added. He clarified that Digvijay Singh had to attend a marriage ceremony in Maharashtra and thus he could not remain present. He also claimed that despite being senior legislators, Singh and Subhash Yadav duly inform Jamuna Devi about their absence.

Even the non-BJP parties like Samajwadi Party (SP) are upset over the state of affairs. SP legislator Sunilam told that the decision of Congress boycotting Shivraj’s speech was abrupt. “Factually, it was decided that SP MLAs would also oppose Shivraj, but they did not wait for the Chief Minister to start the speech.” He added. He opined that in democracy, everybody has to express their views and being in the house, Congress would have effectively expressed resentment against Chief Minister. The Chair is also learnt to have expressed discontent over the diminishing democracy.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Narottam Mishra stated that in the democracy House is a strong medium to express views. Issues related to public interest should be raised so that they might reach directly to the government and resolved. He alleged that for a long time, the opposition is behaving irresponsibly in the House. In the recent past, they raised several issues which donot have any direct relevance to the common people. He claimed that this is not a healthy precedence to quit the House without listening to others. “Moreover, the allegations should have some base, while raising in the assembly,” he added.