A large number of MPs do not know the importance of being earnest. The previous sessions resulted in a huge waste of time and money. Walkouts and constant bickering led to inactivity. The winter session does not look to be any different. It threatens to be stormy which is a euphemism for inaction. It is proof enough that representatives of the people do not represent the interests of the people. The Prime Minister made an appeal to the MPs to pass all pending legislation. Little got done in the previous session thanks to a civil society activist, Arvind Kejriwal. FDI in retail is a stumbling block. Of course, the issue should be debated and discussed. But the Opposition seems committed only to trip up the government. Other pending pieces of legislation include the pension bill, the insurance bill, the food security bill, the banking regulation bill and above all, the land acquisition bill. These bills have a wide impact on the lives of the people. In a corporate organization, inaction in such matters would have prompted investors to ask for their money back. FDI in retail seems to worry politicians more than the common man.
The Trinamul Congress made matters worse on the first day of the session by trying to push a no-confidence motion which disrupted work. It had few backers and only showed lack of faith in the democratic system. Party ideologies may clash but should not be at the cost of the welfare of the people. MPs draw huge allowances, perquisites and privileges. Some of them are sincere but their voice is drowned in chaotic cacophony. Mamata Banerjee failed to push through the no confidence motion. Only she knows what she means by losing the battle but being poised to win the war against the government at the Centre. In the process, the confidence of the people in her state in her political commitment has been vastly impaired.