The current state of Parliament reflects a decline, with the ruling dispensation, despite citizen endorsement, showing little effort to uphold the opposition as the voice of the nation.
Reviewing the State of Indian Parliament Post December 2023 Incident
Security Lapse Incident: A serious security lapse occurred in the Lok Sabha, leading to a stand-off between the Opposition and the ruling party.
Unprecedented Suspension: The aftermath involved the suspension of 146 members from various Opposition parties, sparking discussions on procedural concerns.
Need for a Holistic Review: Beyond procedural issues, it's crucial to assess the incident's impact on India's parliamentary government conception.
Historical Context of India's Choice for a Parliamentary System
Debate on Form of Government: During the Constituent Assembly, debates raged around presidential, Indian orthodox, Swarajist, and parliamentary systems.
Parliamentary System Triumph: The parliamentary model won, emphasizing the need for a decisive authority responsive to citizen mandate and the importance of minority representation.
Inherent Pluralism: Advocates highlighted that the parliamentary system accommodates doctrinal, ethnic, and cultural pluralisms, reflecting India's diverse spirit.
Challenges to India's Parliamentary System and Its Evolution
Paradox of Stability and Challenge: A stable parliamentary system demands majority support but requires constant critical validation to uphold the common good.
Evolution of Opposition Dynamics: Jawaharlal Nehru recognized the importance of an effective opposition, despite initial discomfort. The competitive party system institutionalized stable support and effective opposition.
Present Challenges and Response: The recent security breach in Parliament raises concerns. The ruling party's attempt to limit the Opposition's space is countered by the system's logic.