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The Indian Parliament's winter session has effectively become a complete washout, a consequence of the bitter feud between billionaires Gautam Adani and George Soros. This political stalemate is costing Indian taxpayers a staggering Rs 2.5 lakh per minute, a figure highlighted by the article and previously cited by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pawan Bansal in 2012. The implications extend far beyond mere financial waste; the unproductive session prevents the addressing of critical national issues, leaving pressing concerns such as air pollution and rising prices unaddressed. Millions of impoverished citizens needing policy assistance are also directly affected by this legislative paralysis. The lost time translates into delayed or poorly-considered legislation rushed through due to the lack of adequate debate. The inability to hold the government accountable in a transparent national forum further underscores the severity of this situation.
The conflict is rooted in the Congress party's demand for a discussion on the Adani bribery allegations in the US, while the BJP counters with accusations linking Congress leaders to George Soros, who is labeled an 'Agent of Chaos' for purportedly financing regime changes. This political maneuvering has completely overshadowed the people's business, creating a destructive cycle of blame-shifting between the BJP and Congress. This has led to significant frustration not only within the Opposition but also amongst some members within the Congress itself. The Indian Express, for instance, reported internal discontent among Lok Sabha MPs regarding the party's focus on the Adani issue, arguing that their Rajya Sabha counterparts, unlike Lok Sabha members, are not directly accountable to voters. Several regional parties such as the Samajwadi Party, Trinamool Congress, and Left parties have expressed their disapproval of this deadlock, emphasizing the need for Parliament to function effectively and address the pressing issues facing the nation.
The consequences of this political gridlock extend to the very foundation of Indian democracy. The dwindling number of sitting days in the Lok Sabha highlights a concerning trend. The 17th Lok Sabha (2019-2024) has averaged a mere 55 sitting days annually, a sharp decline from the 135 days averaged by the first Lok Sabha (1952-1957). This alarming decrease represents a profound failure in the system's ability to serve its primary function: legislating and overseeing the government. While Rahul Gandhi and the Congress maintain that their aim is to ensure the smooth functioning of the Lok Sabha and engage in meaningful debate, the reality is that the Adani-Soros conflict has hijacked the legislative process. The perception that Parliament has become a battleground for billionaire-fueled political point-scoring, rather than a space for addressing the people's needs, is damaging public trust and faith in the democratic process. This perception is further amplified by the considerable financial cost of the unproductive session. The estimated cost of the 2021 parliamentary logjam, reaching approximately Rs 133 crore, serves as a stark reminder of the economic burden this political dysfunction imposes on the nation.
The situation demands immediate action. A return to constructive dialogue and compromise is crucial to restore the effectiveness of Parliament. Both the BJP and Congress need to prioritize the interests of the nation and its citizens over their partisan squabbles. Regional parties play a vital role in this, urging both major parties to find common ground and focus on the pressing matters of national importance. Furthermore, the public needs to demand greater accountability from their elected representatives. The current situation is unsustainable, both financially and democratically. The focus must shift from personal attacks and billionaire feuds toward constructive engagement on crucial policy matters. The prolonged disruption of Parliament demonstrates a fundamental failure in political leadership, ultimately jeopardizing the nation's development and stability. The cost in both financial terms and the erosion of public faith in the democratic process is far too high.
Source: In battle of two billionaires, Indian taxpayer bleeding Rs 2.5 lakh per minute