Indian Parliament: A Temple of Democracy?
By Thomas M Marak, Social Activist
Dante Alighieri, an Italian poet, famously wrote in his book, “The hottest places in hell are reserved for those who, in times of great moral crisis, maintain their neutrality.” As the 18th Lok Sabha Election approaches, set to decide the fate of the world’s largest electorate on April 19th, I have encountered numerous questions regarding my stance on political parties and candidates. With growing concerns over controversial decisions made by the ruling government and the vulnerability of the parliament, it’s evident that neutrality in such crucial times may have severe consequences.
Consider a simple story: Once, a Lion King convened all the jungle animals for a meeting and declared without discussion that all must obey the king’s mandates and pay taxes. When objections arose from animals like the Ape, Crocodile, and Eagle, the Fox cleverly silenced them, showcasing how decisions were predetermined, leaving little room for dissent.
In the current Lok Sabha, hastily passed bills are turned into Acts, implemented through rules drafted by the government, with minimal discussion. Shockingly, only a fraction of bills and the Union Budget are thoroughly debated. This raises questions about the purpose of Parliament and its role in fostering meaningful discourse rather than mere disruptions.
The sanctity of institutions like the judiciary, Election Commission, Reserve Bank of India, and others must be upheld to ensure impartial decision-making in the interest of all citizens. However, recent events, such as demonetization and exploitation of institutions, indicate a concerning trend towards pork-barrel politics and ideological battles.
The looming question revolves around whether a revised Hindutva Constitution would mandate a Uniform Civil Code, potentially eroding the diversity of India’s pluralistic society. Furthermore, concerns persist about the preservation of Article 370 and the erosion of parliamentary democracy, exemplified by scripted Presidential addresses and the classification of India as an “Electoral Autocracy” in the Democracy Report 2024.
In the face of such challenges, it’s essential to recognize the importance of politics guided by principles rather than mere power games. As Shakespeare’s soothsayer warned, “Beware of the Ides of March.” Similarly, we must heed the warning signs and safeguard the democratic fabric of our nation before it’s too late.
(The views expressed are the personal opinions of the writer)