Opposition Slams Government for Majoritarianism and Erosion of Democracy

Opposition Slams Government for Majoritarianism and Erosion of Democracy

VoM News Desk | September 18, 2023 | 12:37 PM IST | Breaking News, Politics | Follow on Google News

Opposition Slams Government for Majoritarianism and Erosion of Democracy. Image/ANI

In a heated session in the Rajya Sabha, opposition members strongly criticized the government’s alleged indulgence in majoritarianism and its departure from the principles of parliamentary democracy. The discussion, which centered on Parliament’s 75-year journey, became a platform for opposition voices to express their concerns and reservations.

Accusations of Majoritarianism and Bulldozer Justice

Opposition members didn’t mince words when accusing the government of practicing majoritarianism, emphasizing that democracy’s essence includes preventing the tyranny of the majority. Manoj Kumar Jha from the RJD quoted B.R. Ambedkar, highlighting the distinction between a majority and majoritarianism. He lamented that constructive criticism often led to accusations of disloyalty, even suggesting critics go to another country.

Jose K Mani of the KC(M) raised concerns about undemocratic parliamentary methods that threaten the core of democracy. He pointed out instances of curtailed debates, silenced opposition voices, and hasty bill passing. He also highlighted issues regarding the integrity of Parliament committees and their politicization, leading to their ineffectiveness.

Suppression of Dissent and Shrinking Opposition Space

Opposition members expressed deep concern about the suppression of dissent across various sectors, including civil society, academia, and the media. Tiruchi Siva from the DMK argued that the space for the opposition is shrinking, with declining accountability of the government to Parliament. He criticized the use of ordinances instead of legislation.

State’s Role in Parliamentary Democracy Amar Patnaik of the BJD emphasized the important role of states in parliamentary democracy and raised issues related to the devolution of funds. He suggested including cess and surcharge in the divisible pool to make states financially independent.

Concerns About Representation in South Indian States

Government Accountability and Justice

Threats to Minorities and Unemployment Vaiko from the MDMK claimed that the government’s actions were pushing India toward a ‘Hindu Rashtra,’ which could have dire consequences for minorities. He warned of potential balkanization if such trends continue. Opposition members also drew attention to rising unemployment and the need to address this critical challenge.

The discussion saw participation from a range of political parties, with each member highlighting different facets of the challenges facing parliamentary democracy in India.

VoM News Desk

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