Shashi Tharoor, a member of the Congress party, has expressed his concerns regarding the police response to demonstrations by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) on July 20. He questioned the rationale behind the use of force against peaceful protesters and urged the government to facilitate discussions on pressing national matters within Parliament. Tharoor characterised the police action as an act of violence, stating that there is no justification for a lathi charge during a non-violent protest.

Tharoor insisted that just as protests should maintain a peaceful nature, Parliament ought to focus on open discourse regarding critical national issues, thereby representing the populace more effectively. He articulated that Parliament is fundamentally a platform intended for voices from the public to be shared and heard.

Parliament Should Function as a Forum for Deliberation

The Congress MP attributed the ongoing disruptions in the parliamentary sessions to the government’s resistance to engage in discussions about significant issues. In his view, Parliament should operate as a deliberative entity, allowing for debate rather than merely serving as a medium for the government to pass bills without thorough scrutiny.

Tharoor articulated that the current stance of the government, which includes denying discussions on urgent topics, has directly led to disturbances in the House. He remarked that the opposition aims to raise these matters during sessions, stating that if Parliament does not serve as a venue for addressing such issues, its purpose comes into question.

He further elaborated that Parliament cannot merely function as a notice board for the executive branch to announce policies and secure their ratification without discussion. Tharoor stated that the forum should accommodate varied viewpoints, allowing for necessary debates prior to the passage of legislation.

Call for Mutual Cooperation Between Government and Opposition

Tharoor underscored the fundamental principle of democracy, emphasising the need for the opposition to be heard even while acknowledging the government’s majority power to legislate. He highlighted that the opposition should be granted an opportunity to express their constituents’ concerns and engage in discussions regarding policies before they are enacted.

“The age-old saying remains true: the Opposition must have its say, while the government will have its way,” Tharoor commented. He insisted that Parliament should be a space where these viewpoints can be voiced, allowing for disagreement and debate from the government side as well.

The MP also referred to the Prime Minister’s recent calls for cooperation from the opposition, asserting that true collaboration is contingent upon the government’s willingness to allow discussions on contentious issues within the parliamentary framework. He reiterated that the relationship should involve mutual give and take to ensure that Parliament functions as intended.

In the backdrop of these developments, both houses of Parliament were adjourned until 2 pm following disruptions during the session, highlighting the ongoing tensions and the urgent need for dialogue on critical issues affecting the nation.

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