The very foundations of our parliamentary democracy appear to be crumbling under the weight of incessant disruptions and political theatrics. As the Lok Sabha, the people's house, repeatedly succumbs to adjournments, crucial legislative work grinds to a halt. The question that looms large is: are we witnessing a deliberate paralysis of governance, and if so, who stands to gain from this deafening silence in the halls of power?
A Parliament Held Hostage
The recent Budget Session of Parliament has been anything but productive. Instead of robust debate and meticulous lawmaking, we've seen a recurring pattern of disruption, leading to repeated adjournments of the Lok Sabha. This isn't just an inconvenience; it's a direct assault on the democratic process, where elected representatives are entrusted with the immense responsibility of shaping the nation's future.
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The recurring adjournments suggest a systemic failure to uphold parliamentary decorum, raising serious questions about accountability and the very purpose of these legislative sessions.
The repeated closures have led to significant "wasted hours," as Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla himself lamented, stating that 19 hours have been lost. This wastage isn't just a number; it represents countless hours of public time and resources, dedicated to a function that is currently failing to deliver.
Key Incidents Fueling the Chaos:
Rahul Gandhi's Naravane Book Controversy: A significant point of contention arose when Rahul Gandhi, leader of the opposition, attempted to quote from an unpublished memoir by former Army Chief M.M. Naravane. This move was swiftly condemned by the government and the Speaker, leading to uproar and eventual suspensions.
Suspension of Opposition MPs: In response to "creating a ruckus," eight Congress MPs were suspended from the Lok Sabha. This action, while a procedural measure, further inflamed tensions and led to protests outside Parliament, with Rahul Gandhi leading the charge.
India-US Trade Deal Debate: The India-US trade agreement also became a flashpoint, with Congress MP KC Venugopal seeking a discussion due to alleged "adverse consequences" for Indian industries and farmers. The government, in turn, assured a statement and discussion.
Epstein Files Reference: A Congress MP, Manickam Tagore, moved an adjournment motion to discuss Prime Minister Narendra Modi's alleged reference in the emails of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. This highly sensitive issue, if raised inappropriately, could have significant diplomatic repercussions.
The Spectacle of Political Sparring
Beyond the immediate disruptions, the underlying political animosity is palpable. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been vocal, often using parliamentary platforms to critique the opposition.
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"Congress never cared for them [farmers], but we felt their pain." – PM Modi (Article 1)
This statement, made during the Rajya Sabha proceedings, highlights a broader narrative of the ruling party positioning itself as the true champion of the common man, while accusing the opposition of neglect. Similarly, PM Modi took a dig at the Gandhis, alleging they "stole the 'Gandhi' surname of a Gujarati" (Article 1). Such barbs, while a staple of political discourse, contribute to an atmosphere far removed from constructive dialogue.
On the other side, Priyanka Gandhi retorted, "He got scared," after an adjournment minutes before PM Modi's speech (Article 7), suggesting the opposition perceives fear and evasion from the government's side.
The parliamentary floor is increasingly becoming a stage for political theater rather than a forum for policy deliberation.
A Pattern of Disruption: Past and Present
This isn't an isolated incident. The Budget Session of 2026 has merely amplified a trend observed in previous parliamentary sessions. Disruptions, walkouts, and accusations have become routine, eroding the sanctity of legislative bodies.
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The "Ruckus" Factor: Repeatedly, the Lok Sabha proceedings have been adjourned due to "ruckus" or "sloganeering." While the exact nature of these disruptions can vary, the outcome is consistent: legislative time lost.
Opposition's Grievances: Opposition parties often cite instances where they feel "not being allowed to speak," as alleged by Rahul Gandhi (Article 2), or that their concerns are being sidelined.
Government's Response: The government, in turn, points to deliberate obstructionism and calls for accountability. The suspension of MPs, though a severe measure, is often presented as a last resort to restore order.
| Incident Type | Alleged Perpetrator(s) | Government Response | Impact on Session |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quoting unpublished memoir | Rahul Gandhi | Speaker's ruling, criticism from ruling party | Uproar, further debate stalls |
| Sloganeering/Protests | Opposition MPs | Suspension of MPs (e.g., 8 Congress MPs) | Adjournments, loss of legislative hours |
| Raising sensitive international topics (e.g., Epstein, US-India deal) | Opposition MPs | Assurance of statements, counter-arguments | Heated exchanges, potential for diplomatic fallout |
| Allegations of not being allowed to speak | Rahul Gandhi | Government counter-claims, often highlighting disruptions | Further entrenchment of political divide |
The Underlying Issues: Beyond the Headlines
While the immediate cause of adjournment might be a specific event, the deeper malaise points to a breakdown in mutual respect and a lack of willingness to engage in good-faith dialogue.
Is the Opposition Being Silenced?
Opposition parties consistently argue they are not being given adequate space to voice their concerns. Rahul Gandhi's repeated claims of being silenced, coupled with the suspension of MPs, fuel this narrative.
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"I am not being allowed to speak." – Rahul Gandhi (Article 2)
The suspension of multiple MPs raises a critical question: is this an overreach by the ruling party, designed to stifle dissent, or a necessary step to maintain order?
Furthermore, the issue of quoting from an unpublished memoir, while potentially problematic, also highlights the fine line between parliamentary privilege and responsible conduct. Was Rahul Gandhi's intent to deliberately provoke, or to bring forth information he deemed crucial for national interest? The government's strong reaction suggests the former.
Is the Government Stifling Debate?
Conversely, the government often portrays the opposition as deliberately disruptive, seeking to derail legislative processes for political mileage. Prime Minister Modi's frequent digs at the Congress, even during the Motion of Thanks to the President's Address, indicate a strategy of counter-offensives.
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PM Modi "TMC leaders spoke on many issues, but they should also look at their own shortcomings." (Article 1)
The adjournment of the Lok Sabha minutes before PM Modi's speech, as noted by Priyanka Gandhi, suggests a perception among the opposition that the government itself might be uncomfortable with certain narratives or discussions.
Who Benefits from This Paralysis?
This persistent paralysis in Parliament raises a fundamental question: who truly benefits when the machinery of governance grinds to a halt?
Political Polarization: The constant back-and-forth, the accusations, and the disruptions serve to further polarize the electorate. Parties can rally their base by portraying themselves as victims or as strong defenders against a perceived threat.
Distraction from Core Issues: When Parliament is consumed by procedural battles and political slugfests, the focus shifts away from critical economic, social, and developmental issues that require urgent attention.
Erosion of Public Trust: A Parliament that appears dysfunctional and chaotic risks losing the trust of the citizens it is meant to serve. This can lead to apathy and cynicism towards the democratic process itself.
Opportunity for Executive Dominance: When the legislative agenda is stalled, the executive branch can potentially gain more leeway in implementing its policies, sometimes bypassing the rigorous scrutiny that parliamentary debate is supposed to provide.
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The repeated adjournments of Parliament, while seemingly an outcome of political discord, could strategically serve to deepen societal divisions and distract from pressing national challenges.
The Road Ahead: Rebuilding Trust and Functionality
The current state of affairs in Parliament is unsustainable. If the "people's house" is to regain its purpose and legitimacy, a fundamental shift in approach is required from all stakeholders.
Accountability for Disruptions: While the government has the right to maintain order, the opposition must also bear responsibility for constructive participation. Mechanisms for holding consistently disruptive MPs accountable beyond mere suspension might be needed.
Dialogue and Consensus-Building: Both the ruling party and the opposition must actively seek avenues for dialogue. Issues that can be resolved through consensus should be identified and pursued, setting a precedent for broader cooperation.
Strengthening Parliamentary Committees: These committees often work away from the public glare and can provide a more conducive environment for detailed examination of legislation. Empowering them further could ensure that important work continues even amidst disruptions in the main house.
Speaker's Role: Speaker Om Birla's concern over "wasted hours" underscores the critical role of the presiding officer in enforcing decorum. A consistent and impartial application of rules is paramount.
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The question is not if Parliament can function, but will it? The current trajectory suggests a worrying trend. The people of India deserve a Parliament that debates, legislates, and holds the government accountable – not one that is perpetually adjourned, consumed by its own internal battles. The responsibility to mend this broken dialogue lies not just with politicians, but with all citizens who value the health of our democracy.
Sources:
News18: Parliament Budget Session 2026 Updates: PM Modi Takes Dig At Gandhis, Says They Stole 'Gandhi' Surname Of A Gujarati https://www.news18.com/india/parliament-budget-session-2026-live-bjp-congress-clash-rahul-gandhi-pm-modi-rajya-sabha-lok-sabha-news-today-liveblog-ws-l-9880246.html
NDTV: Parliament Budget Session 2026 Day 3 Highlights: Lok Sabha Adjourned, PM Modi Won't Speak Today https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/parliament-budget-session-2026-live-lok-sabha-opens-today-with-debate-on-droupadi-murmus-address-18-hour-discussion-pm-modi-nirmala-sitharaman-10929064
The Financial Express: Parliament Budget Session Highlights: LS adjourned till tomorrow 11 am; Rahul Gandhi says PM, Home Minister are 'uncomfortable' - Business News | The Financial Express https://www.financialexpress.com/business/news/budget-2026-live-updates-fm-nirmala-sitharama-full-union-budget-speech-highlights-from-parliament/4125514/
The Times of India: Parliament Budget Session 2026 Live Updates: 8 Congress MPs suspended from Lok Sabha over ruckus - The Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/parliament-budget-session-2026-live-updates-bjp-congress-parliament-lok-sabha-rajya-sabha-president-droupadi-murmu/liveblog/127856145.cms
The Hindu: Watch: “19 hours wasted,” says Om Birla as Lok Sabha adjourned again amid protests https://www.thehindu.com/shorts/watch-19-hours-wasted-says-om-birla-as-lok-sabha-adjourned-again-amid-protests/article70599344.ece
The Indian Express: Parliament Budget Session 2026 Highlights: ‘He got scared’, says Priyanka Gandhi as LS gets adjourned till tomorrow minutes before PM Modi speech https://www.indianexpress.com/article/india/parliament-budget-session-2026-live-updates-rahul-gandhi-general-naravane-book-row-lok-sabha-10510478/
ETV Bharat: Parliament Budget Session LIVE | Lok Sabha Adjourned For The Day; Rahul Gandhi Leads Protest Outside Parliament Over Suspension Of 8 MPs https://www.etvbharat.com/en/bharat/live-blog—parliament-budget-session-2026-latest-updates-february-03-lok-sabha-rajya-sabha-nirmala-sitharaman-narendra-modi-amit-shah-om-birla-cp-radhakrishnan-rahul-gandhi-mallikarjun-kharge-epstein-files-mm-naravane-four-stars-of-destiny-enn26020301520
The Hindu: Parliament Budget Session Day 8 LIVE: Rajya Sabha takes up pvt members bill on air-passengers' rights, free cancer treatment https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/parliament-budget-session-lok-sabha-rajya-sabha-live-updates-february-6-2026/article70598616.ece#::text=Earlier%2C%20Speaker%20Om%20Birla%20reprimanded%20the%20MPs%20for,at%2011%20a.m.%20on%20Monday%20%28February%209%2C%202026%29
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