In the hallowed halls of India’s Parliament, where the voices of millions of citizens should be amplified and represented, there is a growing crisis that threatens the very foundation of our democracy: disruption. A practice that has, unfortunately, become a regular feature of parliamentary proceedings, depriving the common man of their right to be heard and denying hardworking Parliamentarians the chance to fulfil their duty. This behaviour, primarily driven by the self-interest of a few, is a direct blow to the democratic process. It not only undermines the very essence of our system of governance, but it also strips away the dignity of the people we have sworn to serve.
During the 15th Edition of Sansad Ratna Awards ceremony, we have been vocal in our call for a
Zero Disruption in the 18th Lok Sabha. Our
words resonate deeply with the aspirations of the people, reminding everyone
that Parliament is not a stage for political theatrics, but a
forum where the welfare of the nation. The issues of the common man should take
centre stage there. Our assertion that “Question Hour belongs to the common
man” captures the crux of the matter. For the ordinary citizen, this is
their only avenue to directly question the government through their MPs, raise
issues that affect their daily lives, and hold their elected representatives
accountable. However, when disruptions occur, this essential mechanism is
rendered meaningless.
Disruption Hinders the Performance of MPs and Paralyses
Parliament
The repercussions of such disruption extend far beyond the
immediate chaos in the House. As Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Shri
Kiren Rijiju, aptly pointed out, when Parliament is disrupted, it is not just the ruling party
that loses, but also the Opposition. The most significant damage is
borne by those who work diligently to raise pertinent questions, participate in
debates, and push for meaningful change. For these Parliamentarians, the
disruptions deny them the opportunity to perform—to fulfil their duty
towards the people who entrusted them with the responsibility of representing
their interests.
Parliamentarians who work tirelessly to contribute to the
nation’s development, are often silenced in these turbulent times. Despite
their best efforts, the momentum of their contributions is lost when the
House proceedings are cut short by constant disruptions. These dedicated
individuals—who, by the way, are the true performers—find themselves at
a disadvantage. Their work goes unrecognised, and their potential for receiving
accolades like the Sansad Ratna is hindered. But, who are we really
doing this for? The few who use Parliament as a playground for their petty interests, or
the countless citizens whose voices deserve to be heard?
The Need for Unity and Responsibility to Honour
the People’s Mandate
This practice, rooted in self-interest and often fuelled by
personal or political agendas, harms the very fabric of our democracy.
Disruptions often stem from leaders more focused on furthering their own causes
than addressing the nation’s concerns. But what about the 1.3 billion people
for whom Parliament exists? These are the men and women who, with
their blood, sweat, and tears, keep the wheels of the country turning. They
send their representatives to the House with one simple expectation: to
ensure that their concerns are addressed, their problems are solved, and their
voices are heard.
Every time the proceedings are halted, an invaluable
opportunity to discuss, debate, and find solutions is lost. This is an abuse of
power, an affront to the democratic process, and a slap in the face to the very
people whom Parliament is supposed to serve. These interruptions do
not solve anything; they only create more barriers between the people
and their elected officials.
A Call for Zero Disruption and a Restored Focus on Public Service
Zero Disruption is not just a request—it is an urgent demand
from the people of India. The common man wants Parliament to function. He wants his issues discussed; he
wants his leaders to deliberate, debate, and most importantly, deliver
solutions. They don’t want their representatives to be caught up in petty
squabbles, wasting time on disruptions that go nowhere. Every session that is
adjourned due to such disruptions is a lost opportunity for progress, a lost
chance to improve the lives of millions.
It is time for all Parliamentarians to rise above
self-interest and take responsibility for the collective well-being of the
nation. As leaders, they should set aside their differences and work
towards making Parliament a space where constructive dialogue thrives.
We must put an end to the cycle of disruption and create an environment where
every voice is heard and every issue gets the attention it deserves. The
performance of our Parliamentarians should be measured not by the number of
times they disrupt proceedings, but by their commitment to work for the
people—through action, not obstruction.
Our call for a Zero Disruption 18th Lok Sabha must not fall on deaf ears. Parliamentarians
must come together to honour their duty to the people and the nation, and to
restore the dignity of our Parliament. Disruption may seem
like a momentary expression of discontent, but its long-term consequences are
far-reaching. It undermines the faith of the people in our democratic system,
robs Parliamentarians of their chance to make a real difference, and ultimately
harms the very people we are here to serve.
Let Parliamentarians heed the call for Zero Disruption and work together to ensure that the voice of
the people is heard loud and clear in the heart of our democracy. It is time to
put aside their differences and work towards a Parliament that truly represents the will of the people.
For when Parliament works, the nation works. Let us make it so.
(This Editorial was published in July 2025 edition of PreSense)
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