Tough times ahead for the BJP

The Indian parliament, graciously called ‘The temple of Democracy’ has now become a drama stage for political parties. What we are witnessing in the parliament is definitely not a healthy sign for the largest democracy in the world.

After the verdict on National Herald case on December 7, 2015 the Congress started dilly-dallying on their cooperation to Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and thus acted against the Government in a vitriolic manner. As a result, the entire winter session was washed out without any discussions on important bills, particularly the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Bill.

The behaviour of the Congress and other Opposition parties on the National Herald case stunned the government and shocked the nation. The Congress cried foul, saying that the BJP was playing vendetta politics, which is just baseless allegations. In addition, they branded the ruling BJP as anti-Congress. The other Opposition parties also climbed on the Congress bandwagon.

The parliament is not the place for seeking revenge, irrespective of the reasons. In addition, the Congress is wrong to stall the parliament, no matter what the pretext is. If their intention is to stall the parliament and avoid voting for the GST bill, they must immediately refrain from such cheap politics.

Time has come for all members of the parliament {MP) to advise their concerned leaders in order to make the parliament function and advise for constructive discussions. If they fail to do so, a law should be implemented to cut the benefits of the MPs, or whoever is stalling the parliament.

While the Opposition parties are stalling the parliament, the BJP should still have made efforts to reach out to the Opposition parties with an intention to run the parliament. However, the BJP failed to do so.

It is important to note that the responsibility lies on both sides. They must also bear in mind the trust of their people and the fact that they still have faith and confidence in democracy.

But in order to do so, the BJP must find ways to coordinate with the Opposition parties for a smooth, credible and worthwhile functioning.

— The reader is an Indian office manager based in Abu Dhabi