Great parliament reality TV saga: House proceedings can provide both entertainment and education

The televised proceedings of Parliament — if keenly watched and properly packaged — could give news and entertainment channels a run for their money. After all, whatever their mother tongues, Indian audiences love voluble sagas, replete with shifting loyalties, family melodrama and engineered skirmishes, with first one side getting the upper hand and then the other. And Parliamentary proceedings have the added attraction of being reality shows and educational aids. It is unfortunate that when there were no private channels or programming, the government did not hit upon this unique opportunity to enrapture audiences whose viewing pleasure was not sated by Krishi Darshan, Chitrahaar and the Sunday movie.

It remains a very cost effective way of creating content, enhancing communication and fostering the spirit of democratic dissent. So the government could consider pitting Parliament footage against the current crop of top serials and shows. Our MPs lack neither histrionic talent and star power nor wit, if not brevity. Had it been customary for Parliament to sit in the evenings too, our legislators would put primetime talk shows to shade. It could even improve the turnout once regular players in this ongoing Parliamentary drama are recognised and hailed like small screen stars are.