The 2024 election has marked a sort of dramatic shift towards a more representative democracy in the country. For the first time in a decade, the BJP has been reduced to a minority, reliant on alliances to maintain its hold on power. The shift has provided an opportunity to rejuvenate Parliament as the forum for national debate and discussion. The presence of a strong and united Opposition, with an official Leader of the Opposition in Rahul Gandhi, signals a potential renaissance for democratic engagement in our legislative process.
From 2014 to 2024, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and its allied parties maintained a substantial lead of 303 MPs over the opposition. However, in this session, the gap has narrowed to just 60 MPs. The verbal exchanges between the PM Modi and Leader of the Opposition have become increasingly acrimonious and personal. Although, on the face of it, it may sound negative, these encounters are good for the health of democracy. And these should go on.
The BJP’s decade-long dominance saw crucial legislation being pushed through with minimal debate and accountability, reducing Parliament to a rubber-stamping institution. The Opposition’s newfound strength has reinstated Parliament as a forum for diverse voices and rigorous debate. The spirited exchange between Rahul Gandhi and PM Modi exemplified this turn of events. For the first time in years, the treasury benches, including the Prime Minister, listened attentively to the Leader of the Opposition’s speech, reflecting a renewed respect for democratic processes.
To fully realize this potential, both the government and the Opposition must act in good faith. The government should adhere to parliamentary conventions, such as appointing an Opposition member as the Deputy Speaker.
The strength of democracy lies not just in holding elections but in the robust functioning of institutions between them. The recent election offers India a chance to reinvigorate its parliamentary democracy. With a strong Opposition and a government willing to engage constructively, Parliament can once again become a forum where diverse voices are heard, policies are rigorously scrutinized, and the will of the people is genuinely represented. The return of debate and discussion in Parliament is not just welcome but critical for our democracy.
A coalition government in India, such as the one formed when the BJP lost its majority and had to stitch together an alliance, has several virtues which are good for the country’s democracy. First, it necessitates consensus-building, compelling diverse political parties to collaborate and address a broader spectrum of interests and concerns. This inclusive approach can lead to more balanced and representative policymaking, reducing the risk of extreme or unilateral decisions.
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