Amidst the often-stormy proceedings of parliamentary sessions, a rare and welcome sight of government-opposition bonhomie emerged in the Speaker's chamber. This display of cordiality occurred during a customary post-parliamentary session get-together, offering a refreshing contrast to the usual rancor and blame game that characterizes debates within the House.
In Haryana, the winter session of the assembly began with an unusual display of unity between the ruling BJP and the Congress. The BJP, led by Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, welcomed the re-appointment of Bhupinder Singh Hooda as the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader. This gesture was met with surprise from the Congress benches, as Saini, sporting a saffron turban, led the House in applauding Hooda's return as Leader of the Opposition. Hooda, acknowledging the gesture, described it as a new convention. Saini highlighted that the House finally had a Leader of the Opposition after waiting for a year.
The spirit of cooperation extended to the unanimous passage of a resolution honoring Guru Tegh Bahadur. Lawmakers from both sides refrained from making politically charged statements during the discussion. However, Congress MLAs reminded the government that they were not invited to the main ceremony held in Kurukshetra, despite assurances given in an all-party meeting. Despite this minor discord, the House adopted the resolution unanimously.
Following the adjournment of the Winter Session, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted a 'Chai Pe Charcha' with Members of Parliament, including opposition leaders such as Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Supriya Sule. This informal gathering, facilitated by Speaker Om Birla, provided a platform for interaction and camaraderie across party lines.
The Winter Session itself saw a mix of legislative business and political clashes. While some key issues remained undiscussed, the Lok Sabha passed the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill, replacing the MNREGA scheme, amidst opposition uproar. The government defended the bill as a necessary reform, while critics labeled it an attack on welfare. The session, which commenced on December 1st, comprised 92 hours and 25 minutes of sittings, achieving a productivity rate of 111%. Speaker Birla adjourned the Lok Sabha indefinitely, marking the conclusion of an eventful session.
Despite instances of government-opposition cooperation, disagreements persist on key issues. The Union Government accused the Opposition of obstructing a debate on air pollution in the National Capital Region and displaying "unacceptable behavior" during the debate on the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, however, lauded the session's productivity, noting the passage of eight bills.
In Karnataka, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah dismissed claims of a power-sharing arrangement within the state government, refuting speculation that Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar would take over the CM seat in January. The Congress party sought to quell rumors of discord by arranging meetings between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar, projecting an image of unity.
These instances of bonhomie, while noteworthy, should be viewed in the context of ongoing political debates and disagreements. The passage of key legislation, such as the VB-G RAM G Bill, continues to draw criticism from the opposition. Similarly, disagreements persist on issues ranging from electoral reforms to environmental policy. While moments of unity are valuable, they do not necessarily signal a fundamental shift in the dynamics of government-opposition relations.
