Targeting MPs will lead people to lose faith in democracy, say Rajya Sabha members

NEW DELHI: MPs in Rajya Sabha today criticised disparaging remarks being made against politicians by certain quarters, saying such targeting will lead to the people losing faith in elected representatives and democratic institutions.

Raising the issue, Naresh Agarwal (SP) saw a "systematic conspiracy" in statements ranging from Sadhvi Prachi claiming terrorists were sitting in Parliament to commentary on consumption of subsidized food in Parliament and Delhi High Court ordering disconnecting of water and electricity supply to MPs and MLAs who have not paid dues for three months.

"Why shouldn't similar disconnection order be issued for the media and officials," he asked.

Special courts are trying cases against politicians but not terrorists, he said, adding that a negative impression of Parliamentarians was sought to be created among the people.

Trial of politicians is to be completed in one year but the same for terrorists can continue for 22 years, he said.

Without naming anyone, Agarwal said a former Supreme Court judge had also called MPs "rascals".

Attacking the quality of food served at Parliament canteen, he said, "food cooked at 4 am in the morning is served throughout the day" and claimed that consumption of the canteen food will make people fall sick.

"What is the percentage of MPs who eat at Parliament canteen. How many staff and media persons eat," he asked.

Leader of the Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad said people looked towards elected representatives when they had issues like jobs, roads, electricity and water. "No one goes to media houses or business houses for these problems," he said.

The comments against MPs, MLAs or ministers are "destroying their image" and "comments on institutions should stop," he said.

"What faith people will have on their representatives" if their image as well as that of the democratic institutions are destroyed, he wondered.