Focus on debates, not disruptions

The fifth session of the 16th Karnataka Legislative Assembly’s winter session will be held in Belagavi from December 9 to 20. This session is expected to witness intense political friction, with the opposition planning to corner the government over several contentious issues, including alleged irregularities in implementing the five guarantees, diversion of funds from development initiatives, the cancellation of Below Poverty Line (BPL) cards of ineligible beneficiaries, the Waqf Board’s notices to farmers, and even the fading MUDA issue. The ruling Congress, meanwhile, is gearing up to counter these attacks.

An effective opposition is crucial for the smooth functioning of democracy. By holding the ruling party accountable, it ensures adherence to constitutional principles and prevents executive overreach. Legislative members must actively participate in discussions on proposed laws, budgets, policies, and issues affecting their constituencies. Laws enacted without robust debate undermine democratic institutions and weaken public trust.

Debates in the legislature also serve as a foundation for transparency and accountability, allowing citizens to understand the rationale behind government policies. They provide courts insight into legislative intent, ensuring better interpretation of laws. Hence, active and informed participation by Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) is integral to a functioning democracy. 

According to studies by presiding officers and political leaders, disruptions in legislative proceedings are often caused by:

Insufficient time to address significant issues

The government’s inaction and retaliatory behaviour by the Treasury Benches.

Political parties failing to discipline their members or adhere to parliamentary norms.

Delays in taking action against legislators disrupting proceedings.

Both the ruling party and the opposition share responsibility for ensuring the smooth functioning of the Assembly. While the opposition must offer constructive criticism and alternatives, the ruling party should adopt an inclusive approach, respecting genuine viewpoints from across the aisle. The victor-versus-vanquished mindset should be avoided by the ruling party. 

Legislative priorities

During the winter session, the government intends to introduce many key bills, including those related to private universities and safeguarding depositors. In addition to prioritising the development and future of the state and its people, legislators must rise above party politics and focus on issues affecting the state’s population, in line with Article 14 of the Constitution, which guarantees equality and equal protection before the law. Legislators must remember, when they reach the floor of the House, that they were elected representatives, and their role in the Vidhana Sabha—the temple of democracy—demands a commitment to public welfare over political theatrics. 

The cost of legislative disruptions is significant. For instance, the 2018 Belagavi winter session cost the exchequer an astounding Rs 13.9 crore over 10 days—approximately Rs 1.3 crore per day. Taxpayers bear this burden. Therefore, protests, pandemonium, and disruptions, which have become the norm during state legislature sessions in recent times, should be avoided, and the House business should go on uninterrupted with meaningful discussions, debates, arguments, and disagreements. 

Former Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu had aptly said in his inaugural address as chairman of the Rajya Sabha that, “If the ruling party has power, the opposition must at least have its say. But at the end of the day, democracy says that opposition must have its say and the government must have its way because it is as per the mandate of the people.” If the laws are not passed, the government will have its way (by using the ordinance raj). However, the opposition should understand that it loses its say when it uses protests to block debates and discussions. Interruptions and firm expression of opinions can occasionally prove beneficial, but prolonged interruptions are usually destructive. 

Legislators must keep traditions alive to save democratic institutions, and all members of the House should cooperate to make this winter session, or any session, a productive and constructive session with debates rather than just blaring.

(The writer is a retired deputy director of boilers)