Former Prime Minister Expresses Alarm Over Parliamentary Functioning
NEW DELHI: In a significant political development, former prime minister and senior Rajya Sabha member H. D. Deve Gowda has written a detailed letter to Congress MP Sonia Gandhi, voicing serious concerns about what he described as escalating "chaos" within Parliament and its surrounding premises. The communication, dated Monday, highlights growing unease about the state of legislative proceedings among veteran politicians.
Disturbing Developments in Parliamentary Conduct
Gowda revealed in his correspondence that he has been "greatly disturbed" by recent developments in Parliament, which he attributes primarily to opposition parties. The former prime minister elaborated that parliamentary sessions have recently witnessed excessive disruptions that threaten institutional decorum.
"I have been greatly disturbed by a certain chaos that has been unthinkingly introduced inside Parliament, and in its larger premises, primarily by the Opposition parties," Gowda wrote in his letter to the senior Congress leader.
Warning About Democratic Consequences
The veteran politician issued a stark warning about the potential wider implications of such parliamentary conduct for democratic institutions. He expressed concern that unchecked activity could fundamentally damage India's democratic framework.
"I am not sure if you visualize the consequences of such unchecked activity and circulation of negative energy. I honestly feel, it may immensely harm the foundations of our democracy and leave a trail of indelible bitterness," Gowda cautioned in his communication.
Appeal for Intervention Based on Seniority
Gowda explained that he had initially refrained from writing, hoping the situation would resolve organically. "The reason I was not too sure of writing to you earlier was because I thought things may settle down with the wisdom of time. But, am afraid, I see no signs of correction," he noted.
Urging Sonia Gandhi to intervene, the former prime minister appealed specifically to her seniority and extensive experience within opposition ranks. "I do not wish to put down anybody, or curtail anybody's role or enthusiasm. But I urge you, who is the eldest in the ranks of the Opposition, to speak to your party leaders and others, drawing from the wealth of your political experience and maturity," Gowda wrote.
Reflections from a Long Parliamentary Career
The former prime minister reflected on his extensive political journey, noting that he has spent most of his public life in opposition roles. "You are aware that I started my career at the grassroots of our democratic institutions, and have spent, in all, 65 years of my life as a legislator and parliamentarian. This may well turn out to be the last parliamentary session of my life," he shared poignantly.
Specific Concerns About Parliamentary Disruptions
Gowda provided specific examples of concerning parliamentary behavior, stating: "Parliament in recent times has witnessed an excess of slogan-shouting, display of placards and name-calling. There has been an attitude of non-seriousness, which has assaulted my very idea and construct of Parliament and parliamentary democracy."
He suggested that Gandhi could counsel opposition leaders to reconsider their approach to parliamentary protests. "You can perhaps ask them not to harm themselves, their cause and their political futures in the long run," Gowda advised.
Legitimate Protest Versus Institutional Damage
While acknowledging that protests constitute a legitimate component of parliamentary democracy, Gowda emphasized they must be conducted responsibly. He stressed that demonstrations should not "dismantle what we have built together in over 75 glorious years" of India's democratic journey.
The former prime minister's letter represents a significant intervention from a senior statesman concerned about parliamentary norms and the health of India's democratic institutions during a period of heightened political tensions.
