Suspension of eight opposition MPs from Rajya Sabha for unruly conduct underlines the degenerating parliamentary discourse. Both sides of the aisle are to be blamed. Protesting lawmakers must follow House decorum even if grievance is genuine. The government must also be less inflexible and build consensus by accommodating dissenting voices.
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What is the meaning of ” The government must also be less inflexible and build consensus by accommodating dissenting voices.”
1. Was the opposition prevented from speaking in RS? Were they shouted down?
2. If we are to be a functioning democracy the majority must rule after hearing everyone.
3. Accommodating dissenting voice can only mean listening to opposition, if they can convince enough numbers their views will be become the law. But not by climbing on the seats, rushing to the Chair, yanking Mikes and tearing rule book in the face of the chair.
4. It is shame that all this was done by the elders some of them even IITians, not just showman, but peoples who have held constitutional positions.
5. Then the tamasha of sitting on a DHARNA.
6.How and what dissenting voices are expected to be accommodated.
7. When the numbers are against it is called BRUTE MAJORITY.
Just three rules:
1. All members in LS and RS while in the house should be at their seat – any violation attracts immediate suspension and ouster.
2. All members in LS and RS while in the house should speak from their seats – sitting / standing – anybody speaking out of turn will attract immediate suspension and ouster.
3. At any time in LS / RS, only one member can speak – onus on the party. Any violation , the party will forfeit the right to speak on the ongoing business
Do the above three simple rules if introduced and implemented violate constitutional rights? Can we have a National debate on this?