Parliament – Kharge Urges Longer Sessions and Stronger Political Cooperation
Parliament – Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, on Wednesday highlighted the need for more frequent parliamentary sittings, improved coordination between political sides, and a fresh look at existing procedural rules.
Call for More Productive Parliamentary Sessions
Speaking at a farewell event for retiring members of the Upper House, Kharge emphasised that Parliament functions most effectively when discussions are thorough and inclusive. He noted that increasing the number of sittings would allow lawmakers to address pressing public concerns in a more meaningful way.
According to him, shorter or disrupted sessions limit the scope of debate, which can weaken the legislative process. He urged both the treasury and opposition benches to work together constructively, stressing that cooperation is essential for maintaining public trust in democratic institutions.
Concern Over Growing Mistrust
Kharge expressed concern about what he described as a widening gap between the ruling side and the opposition. He cautioned that a lack of mutual confidence could have long-term consequences for governance and democratic accountability.
He underlined that Parliament is not just a forum for political contest but also a platform for consensus-building. When collaboration is replaced by confrontation, he said, the overall effectiveness of the institution may suffer.
Need to Review Parliamentary Procedures
The Congress president also called for periodic reviews of parliamentary rules to ensure they remain relevant and effective. He pointed out that the issue is already under consideration by the General Purposes Committee, indicating that reforms may be discussed in the near future.
Kharge maintained that evolving political and social contexts require procedural frameworks to be updated regularly. Such reviews, he suggested, would help improve transparency and ensure smoother functioning of the House.
Criticism of Expunging Members’ Remarks
One of the key concerns raised by Kharge was the frequent removal of remarks made by members during debates. He argued that expunging statements can distort the record of proceedings and reduce accountability.
He stressed that open and honest discussions are vital for a healthy democracy. Limiting what is officially recorded, he warned, could affect the credibility of parliamentary debates and reduce the public’s understanding of key issues.
Importance of Opposition Participation
Kharge highlighted the critical role of opposition members in the lawmaking process, particularly within parliamentary committees. He said that sidelining dissenting voices could weaken the quality of legislation and undermine institutional credibility.
According to him, meaningful participation from all sides ensures that laws are thoroughly examined and debated before being passed. This, he added, ultimately benefits governance and strengthens democratic practices.
A Light Moment in the House
Amid the serious discussion, Kharge brought some levity to the gathering with a humorous remark about his long-standing associations with senior political leaders. Referring to former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda, he joked about their political journey together, drawing laughter from members present in the House.
Commitment to Public Service
Concluding his remarks, Kharge said that public life does not end with formal retirement from Parliament. He noted that politicians continue to contribute to society and remain committed to serving the nation in various capacities.
He reiterated that open dialogue, mutual respect, and cooperation between political parties are essential for the effective functioning of Parliament and for upholding democratic values.