Ever since the current session of Parliament started last week, both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha are not being allowed to function freely, as the proceedings were disrupted over the Rafale jet deal and Cauvery issues, leading to adjournments. Interestingly, not just the Opposition parties are protesting in Parliament, but MPs from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, too, are. While the Congress and AIADMK were agitating over Rafale deal and Cauvery issue, respectively, three members of the BJP in the Lok Sabha moved a notice of breach of privilege against Congress president Rahul Gandhi, alleging that he spoke ‘falsehood’ and ‘misled the House’ over the Rafale deal in his speech during a debate in July.
Expressing worry over the acts of the MPs, Vice-President and Rajya Sabha Chairman Venkaiah Naidu urged the members to allow the House to function as various notices on urgent matters, ranging from cyclones affecting lives in some States to price rise to agriculture crisis, had been admitted for discussion in the on-going winter session. But he was forced to adjourn the House within 10 minutes due to the din. On Tuesday, Naidu initially adjourned the House till 2 pm. But as protests continued after it reconvened, the Chairman adjourned proceedings for the day.
The winter session of Parliament that began 11 December will end 8 January. This is the last full session before the 2019 general elections. But, without understanding its importance, the MPs are busy with protests and their acts only undermine democracy. People did not vote for these representatives to stall the proceedings of Parliament. All that they expect from the MPs is to voice their concerns in the Upper and Lower Houses in a democratic and dignified way.