Make Parliament parliamentary again

Last month, the people of India gave their mandate. It was not just about who would run the government, but also about who would represent them in Parliament. Above all, it means elected parliamentarians doing what their job entails: conduct legislative proceedings. Much of what has been witnessed in Parliament so far seems to be nothing but a spillover of election-time campaign rhetoric (sic). Both 'battering ram' Opposition and 'bulldozer' government seem to have misunderstood the mandate - of their jobs.

Holding successful elections, winning or losing in polls, and the act of voting are only one aspect of parliamentary democracy. The real 'dance of democracy' is what happens in between elections. In the institution of Parliament, elected representatives question and check the government, debate issues and make laws. In the words of former Rajya Sabha chairman M Venkaiah Naidu, the opposition and treasury benches are like 'two eyes' of the House. Going by the present theatrics, we are being made witness to a cross-eyed Parliament, which seems to be doing everything but its job.

The Opposition and government need to come to a consensus, at least when it comes to serving their parliamentary - rather than only political - function. A functioning Parliament does not require the Opposition to acquiesce to every demand of the government. Neither does it mean responding only with knee-jerk pushbacks. Issue-based engagement needs to be back centre stage. Rules and procedures set out the norms of engagement to ensure fairness, a level playing field and maximise outcomes. Parliament can't be just another venue for MPs to grandstand. The people did not vote for a dysfunctional Parliament. So, MPs, make Parliament parliamentary again.