The Congress on Friday, October 30, criticised a mock Parliament event organised by the citizens’ group Citizens for Democracy in New Delhi, describing it as a “cruel joke” on democracy. The criticism came amid an ongoing political confrontation between the BJP and opposition parties over parliamentary functioning and allegations of irregularities in electoral processes.
Congress general secretary K.C. Venugopal accused BJP-sponsored organisations of organising the event after what he described as years of the ruling party undermining parliamentary practices.
Venugopal Questions BJP’s Parliamentary Record
Reacting to the programme held at the NDMC Convention Centre, Venugopal alleged that the BJP government had treated Parliament like a rubber stamp to pass legislation while restricting opposition voices.
He questioned the decision to organise a mock Parliament, arguing that the exercise was ironic given the Congress’s criticism of how parliamentary proceedings have been conducted over the past 12 years.
Jairam Ramesh Raises Concerns Over Parliamentary Debates
Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh also criticised the event, accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah of weakening parliamentary debate and accountability.
Ramesh referred to the passage of the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023. He pointed out that the legislation was passed during a period when several opposition MPs had been suspended from Parliament.
These remarks reflected the Congress’s broader objections to the functioning of Parliament and the government’s approach towards opposition criticism.
Mock Parliament Discusses Democracy and Electoral Issues
The event, organised under the theme ‘Democracy vs Anarchy’, sought to recreate parliamentary proceedings. Participants took on the roles of political leaders and discussed issues including electoral integrity, democratic institutions, Electronic Voting Machines and the Election Commission.
The programme took place at the NDMC Convention Centre in Delhi on October 30.
INDIA Bloc Postpones CEC Protest Due to Rain
The Congress’s criticism coincided with the INDIA bloc’s planned protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The opposition had scheduled a symbolic public impeachment programme for October 30 but postponed it to October 31 because of heavy rain in the national capital.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said the decision was taken to avoid inconvenience to senior citizens and other participants. Former Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar is expected to preside over the programme, with opposition leaders participating.
November 1 Rally Planned at Ramlila Maidan
The INDIA bloc has also announced a public rally at Delhi’s Ramlila Maidan on November 1. Opposition parties plan to raise concerns over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and their allegations of voter-list irregularities.
The parallel political events have added to the debate over parliamentary functioning, electoral institutions and the relationship between the ruling party and opposition.
