Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Thursday asserted that India boasts the world’s best parliamentary democracy and urged citizens not to be disheartened by disruptions in the House.
Addressing the annual session of the PHDCCI, Rijiju described ruckus in Parliament as a hallmark of a thriving democracy, particularly when opposition parties raise “worthy issues.”
"I welcome the 'hungama' (ruckus) created by the opposition parties in Parliament if the issue is worthy of being raised in Parliament," he said, adding that adjournments also reflect the space given to the Opposition.
Parliament, Rijiju noted, serves as a platform for diverse voices representing multiple ideologies. "So many diverse people from different backgrounds come on the parliamentary platform, there is bound to be some kind of ruckus," he said.
Despite interruptions, crucial legislation continues to pass, the minister emphasised, citing the regulation of online gaming during the Monsoon session. "But when opposition parties protest, we respect that and give them space. Parliament gets adjourned in such cases," he added.
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Rijiju urged citizens not to judge the democratic system by temporary disruptions or media reports suggesting dysfunction. "Never get dejected by the systems we have. You may be disappointed by the outcome, but this is the best system available anywhere in the world," he said.
Taking a pointed swipe at the Opposition, he remarked on claims of suppression of freedom of expression. "A person who speaks throughout the day complains that there is no freedom of expression. It is a democratic country and there is freedom of expression. I can't stop any person from speaking his mind. That is the beauty of democracy. There will be protests, hungama," Rijiju said.
Referring to those who carry small copies of the Constitution, often associated with calls to “save the Constitution,” Rijiju urged them to read it. "Some people also carry small books of the Constitution with them. My appeal to them is to read the Constitution," he said.
He further highlighted India’s constitutional robustness compared to global parliamentary systems. "You keep on hearing about disruptions around the world; these things cannot happen in India. The Indian Constitution is so intelligently created that all the challenges of the foreseeable future have been addressed in the Constitution," Rijiju noted.
"Our Constitution is the best in the world, we are working as per the spirit of the Constitution... Those who do not believe in the Constitution go around claiming to save the Constitution," he concluded.
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