Absent, Sir

Same time, last year, these very men and women were begging for our votes. Today, they think they are doing the rest of us a favour by putti...

Same time, last year, these very men and women were begging for our votes. Today, they think they are doing the rest of us a favour by putting in an appearance in Parliament. Last Friday, when the Finance Bill was to be debated in the Lok Sabha, the session had to be delayed because there was no quorum. The absence of opposition MPs was inevitable, given the NDA’s misguided boycott of Parliament. But what of the UPA’s MPs? What excuse did they have to take their parliamentary duties so casually? Was it the arrogance of power or just the complacency of

office? Have they — one year down the line — already forgotten their effervescent promises to be accountable to the people of this country?

It is reported that Congress President Sonia Gandhi was very incensed over party’s no-show on parliamentary benches. So, indeed, should she be. This newspaper has been unsparing in its criticism of the BJP’s negative tactics in boycotting Parliament as the main party of opposition. It cannot, similarly, condone laggardly behaviour on the part of those who jointly constitute the ruling coalition. Occupying the treasury benches brings with it executive responsibilities which of course include the smooth conduct of parliamentary proceedings. Empty treasury benches indicate a ruling coalition that has lost its focus.

As it is, Parliament’s working days have dwindled over the years. According to official records, the Lok Sabha met for 138 days in 1953. Today we should be grateful if it touches the 80 mark, as indeed we would be if our MPs conduct business for the five hours that make up their working day. This lack of accountability has a significant impact not just on everyday governance but, in the long term, on the nature of Indian democracy. It is imperative that Congress MPs get the message that these columns had sent their BJP counterparts last week: just get back to work.