The world is watching our democracy, yet we are disappointing our citizens… Dhankhar’s pain over disruption in Parliament

New Delhi: Expressing concern over the uproar and disruption in the Upper House of Parliament, Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar on Friday called upon the members that the country’s democratic heritage demands that they rise above political differences and restore the sanctity of parliamentary dialogue. Dhankhar said this in his/her traditional address before adjourning the Rajya Sabha proceedings indefinitely.

‘Public confidence is decreasing due to disruption’

Describing the low work done during the session, he/she said that the reality is disturbing that only 40.03 percent work was done in this session. he/she said that in this too only 43 hours and 27 minutes of effective work was done. The Chairman said, ‘As MPs, we are facing severe criticism from the people of India and this is right too. “Continued disruptions continue to erode public confidence in our democratic institutions.”

he/she said that during the session, the Oil Sector Amendment Bill of 2024 and the Boiler Bill were passed and the External Affairs Minister’s statement on India-China relations was concluded. he/she said that these achievements outweigh our failures.

‘Our actions are telling a different story’

Dhankhar said that while concluding this session on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution of India, we are also facing a moment of serious reflection. he/she said, ‘While the purpose of celebrating Constitution Day in the historic Constituent Assembly was to reaffirm democratic values, our actions in this Assembly tell a different story.’

Concern expressed over going to media before the House

Chairman Dhankhar also expressed concern over opposition members resorting to Rule 267 every day and publishing the notice in the media even before it was considered in the House. he/she said, ‘The increasing trend of publishing notices through media and resorting to Rule 267 before consideration in Parliament further weakens our institutional dignity. We stand at an important crossroads, India’s 1.4 billion citizens expect better from us.

‘Will have to choose between debate and disruption’

“It is time to choose between meaningful debate and destructive disruption,” he/she said. Our democratic heritage demands that we rise above political differences and restore the sanctity of parliamentary dialogue. he/she thanked the officials and officers who contributed to the functioning of the House and thanked the media for their cooperation in publicizing the proceedings of the Rajya Sabha.

he/she said, ‘Let us return with a new commitment to serve our nation with dignity.’ After this he/she adjourned the proceedings of the House indefinitely.

(With agency inputs)