New Delhi, February 11: Congress MP Sukhdev Bhagat has issued a stern warning that stifling the voice of the opposition in Parliament poses a grave danger to India’s democratic fabric. Speaking on the recent proceedings, he emphasized that Tuesday’s session ran smoothly until 8 PM, allowing for open discussions on national issues—a model that must be upheld.
Bhagat asserted that Parliament is not merely a platform for the ruling party but the very soul of democracy. ‘Suppressing the opposition is unacceptable,’ he declared. He urged the government to ensure opposition members get full opportunity to speak, aligning with parliamentary traditions and democratic values.
Highlighting the Speaker’s role, Bhagat said the Chair must prioritize fairness over convenience to the ruling side. Disruptions arise naturally when proceedings favor one side, he noted, calling on the treasury benches to foster an inclusive environment.
In sensitive matters like no-confidence motions, the Speaker bears a moral responsibility beyond legal obligations, respecting constitutional norms. ‘The Chair’s duty is to safeguard democracy’s strength, not just protect the government,’ Bhagat stressed.
Bhagat also turned attention to Delhi’s crumbling infrastructure. A 30-year-old man recently drowned in an open drain in Rohini’s Sector-32, following a similar tragedy in Jahangirpuri where another youth fell into a pothole. ‘If the national capital faces such horrors, what about other cities?’ he questioned, demanding accountability.
He called for stringent action against negligence, insisting that reactive measures are insufficient. The government must implement concrete steps to prevent recurrences, ensuring no lapses in safety and infrastructure, with strict penalties for the guilty.