Indian Taxpayer Bleeding as Billionaires Battle in Parliament

Aakhir Tak – In Shorts

1. Parliament’s winter session has been disrupted due to a battle over billionaires.
2. Taxpayers are losing ₹2.5 lakh per minute due to wasted Parliament time.
3. Opposition and ruling party are blaming each other for the disruptions.
4. Important public issues are not being discussed in the Parliament.
5. Parliament’s declining productivity raises questions about democracy.

Aakhir Tak – In Depth

Parliament Session Washed Out Due to Billionaires’ Battle

A battle over two billionaires—Gautam Adani and George Soros—has led to the washout of the winter session of Parliament. With just nine days remaining, including the weekend, MPs have ensured that taxpayers’ money is wasted, without discussing issues that directly affect the public. The ongoing “Parliament session” is being wasted due to the fight.

Taxpayer Money Down the Drain

Taxpayers are losing ₹2.5 lakh per minute for running Parliament. The expectation is that representatives of the people will raise issues that matter most to the public. However, the “billionaire fight” is leading to no progress in the Parliament. Frustration over Parliament not conducting business is evident.

Opposition Allegations

The Congress is demanding a discussion on the case in the US regarding Adani bribery allegations. Meanwhile, the BJP has accused top Congress leaders of having links to an organization of billionaire George Soros, whom they’ve called an “Agent of Chaos” for allegedly funding regime changes. The Samajwadi Party, Trinamool Congress, and the Left parties have disassociated themselves from the Congress’s anti-Adani protests. The “Parliament session” is seeing blame game from every corner.

Regional Parties’ Concerns

Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan Banerjee has criticized the two national parties for hijacking the House. He said that the washout is causing regional parties to lose out. “They decide how long it will function. This is not correct… The BJP and Congress get more opportunities to speak. We don’t get the opportunity to speak. Other political parties are suffering,” said TMC’s Banerjee.

Declining Number of Working Days in Parliament

The first Lok Sabha (1952-1957) averaged 135 working days annually. The 17th Lok Sabha (2019-2024) has seen a sharp decline, averaging only 55 days per year. This decline in working days during the “Parliament session” is a matter of concern.

Neglect of Important Issues

There are several issues of national importance that need urgent attention in Parliament. In any thriving democracy, the government needs to be questioned. Parliament disruptions should not become a political tool. Taxpayers’ money and the nation’s future are at stake, while all the attention is being put on this “billionaire fight”.

Opposition’s Dilemma

Rahul Gandhi stated that the Opposition’s aim was to ensure the smooth functioning of the House. “Our aim is that the House must run, and a discussion should happen in the House. Let them say whatever they want against me, we want the Constitution debate,” he said. The debate on the Constitution is scheduled for December 13 and 14. The “Parliament session” has a focus on this debate despite all the chaos.

Discontent Among Congress MPs

Many Congress MPs are unhappy with their party leadership for focusing on the Adani issue. They stated that the Rajya Sabha leaders are dictating the party’s stance.

Aakhir Tak – Key Takeaways to Remember

The winter “Parliament session” is being wasted because of a fight over billionaires, causing significant loss to the taxpayer. Both government and opposition are blaming each other for disruptions. Many important national issues are being ignored due to this “billionaire fight”.

Aakhir Tak Editor-in-Chief

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