Why wait for Parliament to function when you can simply create your own? That seems to be the latest political innovation from the INDIA bloc. On October 31, opposition leaders assembled at Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge’s residence to conduct a ‘public impeachment’ of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Former Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar presided over the proceedings, and Kharge moved the motion. All that was missing was a ceremonial mace, a Speaker’s gavel and perhaps a little applause from the audience.
Apparently, when the real Parliament does not produce the political drama you want, a mock Parliament is always available!
The Opposition accuses the Election Commission of manipulating electoral processes, favouring the BJP and compromising democracy. These are serious allegations that deserve examination. But a mock impeachment has absolutely no constitutional authority to remove the CEC. It is political theatre just to create drama, not a parliamentary proceeding. The constitutional process for removing a Chief Election Commissioner is quite different from staging a symbolic trial at a political leader’s residence.
And here comes the irony. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has challenged Rahul Gandhi to discuss the ‘vote chori’ allegations in Parliament and offered a special session for the purpose. What better opportunity could an Opposition seeking answers possibly ask for? Yet the INDIA bloc seems equally interested in organising street demonstrations and rehearsing parliamentary proceedings outside Parliament.
The entertainment does not end there. The bloc is preparing a massive November 1 rally at Ramlila Maidan under its ‘Vote Bachao, Desh Bachao’ campaign. Delhi’s traders have repeatedly begged Congress leaders to postpone the event until after Diwali, warning that traffic restrictions and congestion could severely damage their businesses during the peak festive season. But apparently, even Diwali shopping must make way for political choreography.
There is nothing wrong with protesting. Opposition parties are entitled to question institutions and demand accountability. But surely there is a difference between democratic resistance and organising elaborate political performances for television cameras.
Perhaps the INDIA bloc should consider one more innovation – Hold a mock election, form a mock cabinet, present a mock confidence motion. At this rate, the country might soon have an entire parallel government.
Only one thing will remain missing – An actual opposition that can provide evidence for its allegations and bring them to a parliamentary debate!
