There were moves and counter moves from both the Opposition INDIA bloc led by the Congress and the ruling NDA led by the BJP. In the beginning, Congress brought the issue of alleged misdeeds of Adani and demanded probe. PM Narendra Modi was in the line of fire, since Adani is said to be his friend. Naturally, the entire ruling establishment came to the rescue of PM Narendra Modi and Gautam Adani. Proceedings in both the Houses – Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha – were seriously affected by the unruly behaviours of MPs from both sides, the ruling and opposition.

BJP took the confrontation to a new level by a counter attack on Congress and Sonia Gandhi alleging that they had relations with George Soros and anti-India elements. Adani issue was somewhat subdued and this new issue was vociferously opposed by the Congress. Parliament again witnessed disruptions.

Thereafter came the issue of highhandedness of the Vice-President of India, and the impeachment notice against him severed by the opposition led by the Congress. The Congress chargesheet against the Vice-President and the ex-officio chairman of the Rajya Sabha included his partisan behaviour in favour of the Executive, ie the Central Government. The Parliamentary Affairs Minister defended the Vice-President and said that his party would not allow such a disgrace to the Vice-President.

The Winter Session of the Parliament witnessed confrontations in many other issues such as introduction of the One Nation One Election, and other issues. The twin-legislations on One Nation One Election, was ultimately sent for detailed deliberation to a Joint Parliamentary Committee.

In the meantime, came the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution of India, and the confrontation reached to a new high. The opposition has already been alleging that PM Narendra Modi led government has been undermining the Constitution of India and its provisions of federalism and democracy are under serious threat.

“Remove Modi, Save Constitution” was the slogan during the Lok Sabha election 2024. The opposition have been alleging that the Hindutva forces led by BJP and RSS have been disturbing the communal harmony of the country. Nevertheless, during the debates in the Parliament, PM Modi tried to project himself as the champion of the Constitution of India.

However, in his concluding remark Union Minister of Home Amit Shah said in the Rajya Sabha, “It has become the fashion to say ‘Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar …’ if they (the opposition) took God’s name so many times, they will get a place in heaven.”

This disgraceful remark to the architect of the Constitution of India triggered a furious pushback from the opposition. It was also interpreted as the real intention of the BJP which has always been alleged of undermining the Constitution of India for their Hindutva agenda. Congress and Samajwadi Party led the charge and demanded not only apology from Shah but also his resignation from ministerial post.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge demanded Prime Minister Narendra Modi, “If he has any respect for Babasaheb Ambedkar, he should drop Shah from the Cabinet.” However, Shah remained combative. He said that his rivals “rivals distorted facts after being stung by “examples of how the Constitution was attacked and wounded by the Congress when they were in power” forgetting that such allegations do not justify his or his party’s act undermining the Constitution of India.

Even PM Narendra Modi came to rescue of Amit Shah and said “if the Congress and its rotten ecosystem think malicious lies can hide their misdeeds of several years, especially their insult towards Dr Ambedkar, they are gravely mistaken!”

Thereafter, Congress and the opposition decided to stage protest on December 19, 2024 against the disgraceful statement against Dr Ambedkar. However, the ruling establishment has another strategy to physically stop the protestors at the gate of the Parliament.

When Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi went to parliament their passage was blocked by some BJP MPs. INDIA bloc member insisted on entering the Parliament through the BJP MPs holding a protest against the opposition. Protests followed counterprotests and brawls. Mallikarjun Kharge and a BJP MP said they were injured while the leaders from the opposition camp climbed the Makar Dwar (gate) of the Parliament with placards and protested.

This type of physical confrontation between the ruling establishment and the Opposition is and utter disgrace to the parliamentary democracy, and even the Constitution of India. The Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi has been accused of pushing an MP who fell on another causing injury. "Parliament is not a wrestling arena,” Parliamentary affairs minister went on, declaring two of his colleagues had been injured and that he intends to visit them in hospital. Mr Rijiju also demanded an apology from Mr Gandhi.

Rahul Gandhi, on the other hand, said that a group of BJP’s MPs were blocking his entry into the Parliament and they were pushing and shoving him and the Congress boss Mallikarjun Kharge, and that prompted the clash.

What happened during the winter session is unfortunate. The ruling establishment and the opposition must amend their ways, leave their arrogances, and allow each other to participate in parliamentary proceedings peacefully. The real issues that have become troublesome for the country must be resolved rather than derailed. (IPA Service)