The ongoing impasse in Parliament, driven by the Congress’s demand for a thorough discussion on the Adani bribery allegations and the government’s resistance to it, shows no signs of abating. This deadlock has created disquiet among some Congress Lok Sabha MPs and other Opposition parties, given the continued stalling of both Houses.
The Congress MPs have been at the forefront of calls for a debate on the Adani issue, which has resulted in the first week of the Winter Session being effectively washed out. Other Opposition MPs have raised concerns over issues such as the Manipur violence and the situation in Sambhal. However, parties like the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), led by Sharad Pawar, appear unwilling to prioritise the Adani matter.
The Adani issue remains a central focus for Congress Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi. This has left Congress MPs compelled to demand the suspension of all business to prioritise the discussion. However, a section of the party, particularly Lok Sabha MPs, is advocating for the resumption of normal proceedings. They argue that active participation in Question Hour and Zero Hour would allow them to effectively hold the government accountable and raise critical issues.
Some Congress MPs feel the Rajya Sabha leadership is dictating the party’s parliamentary strategy, sidelining Lok Sabha members. Meanwhile, the TMC has explicitly stated its preference for normal parliamentary functioning and the Left parties have expressed concern over losing the opportunity to raise important issues due to disruptions. Leaders of the INDIA bloc are set to meet on Monday in Rajya Sabha Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge’s chamber to reassess their strategy.
At least six Congress MPs expressed dissatisfaction with the persistent disruptions, calling them unproductive. They lamented the missed opportunities to debate and record their views on pressing matters. Many of them expressed that despite the increase in MP numbers in the 18th Lok Sabha, it is a small group of Rajya Sabha MPs who make decisions and dictate the party’s stance in Parliament.
“We are accountable to our voters. If we don’t use the limited session time to discuss their issues, we are failing them,” said one MP, adding that Rajya Sabha MPs do not face the same direct accountability to voters.
Another senior MP criticised the approach, noting that parliamentary proceedings provide a unique platform to address the electorate’s concerns but now had lost considerable time in protest. “These protests are neither impactful nor resonating with the public. We are failing to address issues that matter to the common man,” they said.
The TMC, meanwhile, has identified five key issues for discussion, including inflation, unemployment, deprivation of housing and funds for West Bengal, fertiliser shortages and the Manipur violence. The Adani allegations do not feature on their list. “We want Parliament to function and hold the government accountable on multiple fronts, not just one issue,” stated a TMC Lok Sabha MP.
Even smaller Congress allies have expressed displeasure over the prolonged stalemate. “The original understanding was to disrupt proceedings for one day and cooperate for the rest. This continuous chaos is counterproductive,” said an ally leader.
Some Opposition MPs feel they have played into the hands of the ruling party, which, they claim, prefers avoiding serious debates. “With a stronger Opposition presence, we should use Zero Hour, Question Hour, and debates to challenge the government. Instead, we are making it easy for them by not asking the hard questions,” said a Congress MP.
Concerns were also raised about the denial of opportunities to raise issues during Question Hour and Zero Hour due to the disruptions. “MPs rarely get a chance to ask starred questions. Missing this opportunity is a disservice to our electorate,” said one member.
The entry of Priyanka Gandhi Vadra into Parliament has raised hopes among Congress MPs for a more pragmatic approach to leadership. “Priyanka’s campaign strategies have been practical and locally tailored. Her presence in Parliament could bring a fresh perspective and steer the party towards a more effective strategy,” said an MP.
Citing her work in the recent Wayanad by-election, a Congress leader noted that Priyanka focused on locality-specific issues, which could influence the party’s broader approach.
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