First of all let me categorically state that functioning of Parliament is the duty of ruling front and it is the ruling front which needs to have the right strategy to get all the required bills and amendments passed during the session and they have to get everybody along with it on the floor of the house and get the desired productivity of Parliament. So option is clear cut for Government and it is to ensure smooth functioning of Parliament in the winter session and not blame opposition for stalling.
Comparing to the monsoon session, barring the perception of growing intolerance, there are no other major controversy looming over Government but when it comes to the GST bill and few other, there seems to be some serious difference between Government and Congress party on few points like GST rate as of now and listening to Finance Minister and previous Finance Minister, Congress doesn’t seems to be in a mood to relent. So how much Government is willing to bend or amend opposition other than Congress will decide the fate of this session.
Winter session of Parliament, starts with advantage Government
Since expectation from Congress, its allies and Left is more or less of noncooperation and what will be tested is the ability of Government’s floor managers to bring in support on key legislations from the likes of AIADMK, SP, TMC etc. So far we have heard from TMC spokesperson on their expectation as well as concerns, which in a way supports functioning of Parliament but others are yet to come out with their stand in public. Hence it is obvious that they are in a wait and watch mode and if Government can maintain the perception of advantage, then they might follow TMC stand.
Winter session of Parliament, starts with advantage Government
Quoting from a news report appeared in Times of India citing an online survey, this time around there is a growing concern among citizens on the issue of smooth functioning of Parliament. Survey reports even favours a cut on salaries of MPs in case of further washouts. Survey highlights the concern of people on the danger of derailment of the much hyped reform agenda if parliament fails to pass crucial bills like GST/Land Bill etc. So Citizen’s expectation from Parliament is action and not obstruction. All the political parties must be aware of these concerns.
Even recent reactions to Intolerance comments by Aamir in a way suggest people are fed up of this insecure and intolerant image and wouldn’t want Parliamentarians to obstruct parliament on these issues of perception without debating it.
Winter session of Parliament, starts with advantage Government
Hence it is most likely that, this time around opposition is not likely to stall the parliament on any specific issues and they should be rather hoping the Government to be stubborn and arrogant when it comes to debates on intolerance and other issues including price rise. They will also be expecting the gang of controversial statement makers of BJP to repeat usual rhetoric to provide enough fodder to obstruct business of parliament. This is what I could understand from Rahul Gandhi’s speech at Bangalore or Former Finance Minister’s interview to CNBC TV.
Winter session of Parliament, starts with advantage Government
So ball is in Government’s court, It must ensure no provocation rather should win over maximum constituents by agreeing to the demands of opposition on GST and other bills as well as agreeing to discussion on various concerning issues for them.
To the credit of Government, barring Finance Minister’s Speech at ASSOCHAM on 24th, Government has maintained highly accommodative stand including the willingness to even discuss Dari lynching. So general strategy of government seems to be that of reconciliation, which is more than welcome.
Winter session of Parliament, starts with advantage Government
For opposition, some issues like Prime Ministers response on every issue, Prime Minister’s presence etc will be key to their strategy and for government it should be all about keeping them engaged throughout the session through debates and discussions. Modi will have to be mindful of the opposition strategy and shouldn’t give an opportunity to brand him as the villain and reason for another obstruction of Parliament.
For the Government, Present session is a golden opportunity to put forth its views on various issues including intolerance and counter opposition narrative.
Winter session of Parliament, starts with advantage Government
Since opposition have already fired all their salvo on intolerance and other issues, public may not find their debates and arguments much different from already stated positions but government’s view will be watched and debated closely.
Winter session of Parliament, starts with advantage Government
On Wednesday, Moody’s investor services has highlighted or may say cautioned India on the risk of losing out on investments if momentum on reforms is stalled or even weakened. Hence inability to conduct business in this session will sent a wrong message to international community on Government’s ability to usher in reforms along with inability to check rising intolerance. Because if parliament get stuck due to debates or lack of debates on intolerance and other ideological issues, then wrong message will fly across the world, impacting brand India badly.
Winter session of Parliament, starts with advantage Government
Investors across the world acknowledges the potential of India but they won’t come to India , unless they are sure about the growth line in India , which can’t just fly northwards by exercising reforms through executive measures but they need big bang reforms like GST / Land Bill etc to pass through the parliament. In a way Modi’s overseas image will take serious dent if Government fails to get it right.
So for Government, high stakes are involved and another washout will not just be a waste of tax payer’s money but will impact the new found brand value of India, amongst Global investors and agencies.
Winter session of Parliament, starts with advantage Government
For the opposition, it is not going to be an easy decision to stall parliament from the word go, as they can’t ignore public mood, which is favoring serious business at parliament and doesn’t support obstructions.
Hence Government has an upper hand going in to the winter session, as there is a growing support for smooth functioning of Parliament and passage of crucial reform related bills from general public and as discussed earlier , there are no do or die controversies as of now , which demands a logjam.
So let’s hope and pray, Government has done their homework well and we shall witness a productive winter session of Parliament for the ultimate benefit of the country and countrymen.