Sunday, May 19th 05:34 AM IST
 

Sonia Gandhi is right, the BJP is blackmailing the nation

Akshaya Mishra

In the whole political din over the coal allocation issue, one serious question goes abegging: what happens to the dignity of Parliament? The media have virtually taken over the role of the august house after the BJP preferred to wage a war over the issue in television studios rather than demanding a debate from the government on the floor of the house. It has been the party’s consistent strategy over the last few years. The result has been the undermining of the role of Parliament in the parliamentary democracy. But it’s not the only culprit. Thanks to all parties, the credibility of the institution has been on the decline, but we have to accept that it is still the ultimate forum where matters of national import need to be discussed and debated and laws passed. Media cannot be the replacement for Parliament. It’s in the interest of the country that leaders started rebuilding the dignity of the institution by at least letting it work. The onus is on the BJP.read less read more

Arun George

Whether the Congress likes it or not Parliamentary obstructionism is a legitimate form of protest, despite the fact that it may not be the most pleasing to the senses. Instead of a Parliamentary debate, this way the BJP has the Congress exactly where it wants them and can dictate terms to them instead of the other way around. As a compromise, the BJP can seek a Joint Parliamentary Committee, a more independent probe and possibly even a better law for mining. The BJP isn’t holding the nation to ransom. Just the Congress. Whether it likes it or not, it will have to capitulate. Maybe not with the Prime Minister’s resignation, but with more than the promise of just a Parliamentary debate.read less read more