Shashi Tharoor Decries Suspension of MPs, Says Moment to Start Writing ‘obituaries for Parliamentary democracy’

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor expressed deep concern over the mass suspension of opposition MPs from Parliament, warning that it might be time to write ‘obituaries for Parliamentary democracy’ in the country. Tharoor, who participated in a march alongside other suspended MPs, criticized the Centre’s handling of the situation, particularly in light of the recent security breach incident on December 13.

“The message is very simple; in a Parliamentary democracy, we are looking at a situation in which the government, whose responsibility is to run the Parliament, is not taking its responsibility seriously,” stated Tharoor, emphasizing the lack of seriousness in upholding the conventions of Parliamentary democracy.

Tharoor condemned the government’s response to the security breach, highlighting the refusal of Union Home Minister Amit Shah to address the House and instead issuing press statements outside. He deemed the government’s actions unacceptable and a disregard for the principles of Parliamentary democracy.

Furthermore, Tharoor criticized the passage of three criminal law bills in the absence of 97 MPs in Lok Sabha, describing it as a ‘disgrace’ and a disservice to the country. He stressed the importance of legislative debates, opposition criticism, and ministerial answers in shaping laws and called out the government for bulldozing the laws without consultation or discussion with the opposition.

“A moment to start writing obituaries for parliamentary democracy in our country,” Tharoor warned, expressing concern over the current state of affairs in Indian politics.

In solidarity with the suspended MPs, John Brittas of CPI(M) joined the protest, suggesting that the Centre should amend the Constitution to declare India as a monarchy in light of what he perceived as the brutal killing of democracy.

Meanwhile, Rajya Sabha Leader of Opposition, Mallikarjun Kharge, voiced his discontent on social media, stating that passing crucial legislations by suspending opposition MPs represents authoritarianism rather than democracy. Kharge called for collective action to save democracy and warned against the repercussions for future generations if voices are not raised against what he deemed as dictatorship.

The suspension of a total of 143 MPs—97 from Lok Sabha and 46 from Rajya Sabha—stemmed from their demand for a statement from Union Minister Amit Shah regarding the Parliament security breach incident on December 13. The opposition leaders have criticized the Centre’s actions, alleging a disregard for democratic principles.