Upset Dhankhar Urges MPs to Avoid Dramatics and Enhance Parliament Efficiency
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New Delhi, Dec 20 (NationPress) Rajya Sabha Chairman and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar expressed his disappointment on Friday regarding the disruptions in Parliament that have caused the productivity of the current session to plummet to 40 percent. He encouraged members to abandon “theatrics” and engage in substantive debate instead of contributing to the disruptive noise.
He emphasized the importance of establishing high standards, stating, “The world observes our democracy, yet we let our citizens down through our behavior. These interruptions in Parliament ridicule public trust and expectations. Our primary responsibility to serve diligently remains overlooked.”
In his closing remarks, the VP noted that as we wrap up this session, coinciding with the 75th anniversary of our Constitution, it is a time for serious contemplation. “While our celebration of Samvidhan Divas at the historic Samvidhan Sadan aimed to reaffirm democratic values, our actions in this House portray a different narrative,” he stated.
The troubling reality is that the productivity of this session is merely 40.03 percent, with only 43 hours and 27 minutes of effective operation. As parliamentarians, we are facing significant criticism from the Indian populace, and rightly so, he added.
“These constant disruptions are gradually diminishing public trust in our democratic institutions. Although we managed to pass the Oilfields Amendment Bill and the Boilers’ Bill of 2024, along with hearing the statement from the Minister of External Affairs regarding India-China relations, these accomplishments are overshadowed by our shortcomings,” he remarked.
The increasing tendency to publicize notices via the media before parliamentary discussions and the use of Rule 267 further compromise our institutional integrity. We are at a crucial juncture; the 1.4 billion citizens of Bharat rightfully expect more from us, he continued.
He also reminded the MPs of their obligation to serve the citizens sincerely. “It is crucial to choose between meaningful debate and destructive disruption. Our democratic heritage compels us to transcend political differences and restore the purity of parliamentary discourse,” he said.
Commenting on the uproar and disturbances, he pointed out that where rational dialogue should take precedence, only chaos prevails. He called upon every parliamentarian, irrespective of their party affiliation, to reflect on their conscience.
“The citizens of our democracy—representing one-sixth of humanity—merit better than this display. We waste valuable chances that could benefit the greater good of our populace. I hope Members will engage in profound introspection, and citizens will fulfill their responsibilities. These esteemed chambers deserve conduct that honors our oath, not dramatics that betray it,” he concluded.
