Round The World

New Delhi, 27 October 2023

Israel-Hamas War

REVISITING GANDHI & MANDELA

By Dr. D.K. Giri

(Secretary General, Assn for Democratic Socialism) 

One of the best balanced statements on Israel-Hamas war I heard was made by Prince Turki Al-Faisal at the Baker Institute of Public Policy, Huston. He is a Saudi Arabia former Intelligence Chief and its Ambassador to the United Kingdom and USA. He started his speech with judicious words that should lead to a strategy for the solution of the conflict. He said, “All militarily occupied people have right to resist their occupation, even militarily. But I do not support the military option for Palestine. I prefer the other option, civil insurrection and disobedience. It brought down the British empire in India and the Soviet empire in Eastern Europe.” He qualified his suggestion by explaining that Israel had overwhelmingly military superiority. The world saw it in the past and can see it now as Israel dominates and controls Gaza and now pounds it to the pulp. 

Unarguably, we should have added the fall of South African apartheid under the leadership of Nelson Mandela. Without any shred of doubt, Palestinian problem cannot be resolved by military action by either side. Even the present Palestine Ambassador to the United Kingdom stated that non-violence and negotiations are the only way to resolve the conflict and establish the two-state arrangement. But the terrorists on either side would not let it happen. Let me hasten to elaborate when I say terror emanates from either side. 

In the past, Israelis have resorted to terrorism. Historians recall that the origin of Israel state lay in the violent actions by the Zionist groups like the Irgun and Stern gang such as the assassination of the UN envoy Count Folke Bernadotte and the bombing of the King David Hotel in Jerusalem, as well as the killing and terrorising of Palestinian villagers. Count Folke was a Swedish nobleman and diplomat. He was selected as the UN first mediator in 1947 for Israel-Palestine issue and assassinated in the line of duty on 17 September 1948. His aide who was sitting beside him, French officer Colonel Andre Scrot was also killed. The King David Hotel was bombed on 22 July 1946 in opposition to Britain’s continued rule of Palestine. 

Notably, Irgun’s leader Menachem Begin and Stern Gang’s Yitzhak Shamir, both went to become Prime Ministers of Israel. In current times, critics and observers accuse Israel state of resorting to violence and terrorising Palestine, running an ‘open air prison’ in Gaza strip and incarcerating Palestinians. Palestinians have been complaining of cruel oppression in the hands of Israel army, namely, the food, electricity and water, the basic needs for survival are controlled by Israel army. 

As a matter of fact, the trail of violence between Israel and Palestine can be traced to the formation of Israel state in 1947. Sadly, there has been unending chain of violence and counter violence ever since. How does it stop? Where do we draw a line in history of the evolution of violence? Is it 1947, when Israel state was created by the famous Balfour Declaration in 1947, in 1967, post-Arab-Israeli war, or 1973 after the Yom Kippur war or later? 

Israel claims that the two-state solution was offered to Palestine at least five times – Peel Commission suggestion in 1936, UN arrangement in 1947, after the six-day war in 1967, in 2005 when Yasser Arafat rejected it. Bill Clinton mediating for both parties said in exasperation that Arafat stayed for 14 days to negotiate but rejected it altogether with three infamous NOs – No peace with Israel, No recognition of Israel and No negotiation with Israel. What is more and worse, PLO launched violent attacks on Israel after the rejection of the accord; and finally, in 2008, which was rejected by the current PLA Chief Mahmoud Abbas. 

That said, we are here now. The 7 October terrorist attack on Israel marks the turning point in the Israel-Palestine relations and conflict. The assault was carried by Hamas. It is said that Hamas is a jihadist organisation. They do not accept the existence of a Jewish state. They are not concerned about the territory. They want, like ISIS, the Islamic suzerainty in the world, regardless of territorial boundaries. From the available information, Hamas is the second richest terror organisation in the world. They have a turnover of 1 billion dollar.  In an interview, the son of founder of Hamas revealed the inhuman, barbaric behaviour of Hamas causing Palestine to be the worst place to live. Instead of digging wells for providing drinking water, Hamas dig tunnels to smuggle goods for their profit. They torture the Palestinians by hammering nails to their fingers for their suspected collaboration with Palestinian army. 

In retaliation, Israel is bombing Gaza and planning for ground operation etc to flush out Hamas. Israel army will not stop until they eliminate the Hamas’ military capacity to repeat such a terrorist assault as that of 7 October. In terms of the nature of the violence that day, it is being compared to the holocaust. However, Israel army will stop if Hamas surrender unconditionally. Hamas will fight to their death but not recognise Israel state nor will surrender and apologise for 7 October. The current state of confrontation and lack of compromise will stalemate the conflict; or rather will make it worse. 

The world is reacting in various ways. I have discussed their reactions in the preceding column here last week. Right now, world leaders are asking for a humanitarian pause to allow aid and explore options like release of the hostages. The European Union’s top diplomat Josep Borrell has asked for a ceasefire on humanitarian ground. But Israel is in no mood to listen. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in an interview that they have made the mistake more than once of listening to the world opinion which was based on ill-information spread by Leftist media about the conflict. Israel wants to liberate Palestine from the clutches of Hamas and eliminate Hamas in the interest of the world peace. 

The desirable and workable strategy as referred to herein the beginning is to shun violence. Hamas, regardless of what has happened in the past as is acknowledged here, will have to own up the crime committed on 7 October, and surrender. Terrorism should have no place in Israel-Palestine conflict. A Gandhian approach of civil disobedience is the way forward. And taking a leaf out of Nelson Mandela’s book, a Truth and Reconciliation Commission should be set up consisting of insiders and other world leaders preferably from India, (land of Gandhi) and South Africa, (land of Mandela). 

Such a Commission should negotiate the terms of settlement for peaceful and harmonious existence of two states. In order for this to happen, terrorist organisations like Hamas and Hezbollah have to be countered internationally. And the second stage should be prevailing upon Israel state to stop coercion of Palestinians in Gaza or West Bank. Until a legitimate and genuine political authority is established in Palestine, an UN-monitored arrangement could be initiated. This practice has happened in countries which were created out of such conflicts. That is the way to go. ---INFA 

(Copyright, India News & Feature Alliance)

Round The States

New Delhi, 28 October 2023

EC Directive To Centre

BAN YATRA IN POLL STATES

By Insaf 

Three cheers to the Election Commission. It has acted promptly and decisively on the complaint about “gross misuse of government machinery”, at the Centre. On Thursday last, it wrote to Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba not to hold its proposed nation-wide ‘Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra’ from November 20 to highlight Modi-led government’s “achievements” in the five poll-bound states and in a bypoll constituency in Nagaland. Congress President Kharge and a retired IAS officer had written to the EC about a letter circulated on October 18 to all Ministries about the yatra and asking them to appoint senior officials as “district rath prabharis.” The fact that ‘only achievements of last 9 years are being considered, gives away the fact this is a transparently political order in the run-up to the 5-state elections and 2024 general elections,’ wrote Kharge, adding “It’s a clear violation of Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1964, which directs that no government servant shall take part in any political activity.” Nirvachan Sadan responded saying on October 9 Assembly polls in the 5 States were announced and the Model Code of Conduct had come into force and under no circumstances the aforesaid activities be undertaken till December 5, day of counting. The government has clarified that the yatra will not make a stop in any poll-bound States. However, a vigil is critical.

*                                               *                                               *                                               * 

ED Raids In Rajasthan

The ED has got into top gear in poll-bound Rajasthan, threatening to severely hit ruling Congress’ campaigning. On Thursday last, it raided premises of state party president Govind Singh Dotasra and former education minister in Jaipur and Sikar as part of a money laundering probe into alleged exam paper leak case and summoned Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot’s Vaibhav son in a FEMA case in Delhi. Investigating agencies, said party President Kharge have become the real 'panna pramukh (party workers)’ of BJP. After Chhattisgarh, ED has also entered the poll campaign in Rajasthan.’ Aptly put, with Gehlot chipping in urging voters to give a befitting reply as the raids come days after he announced guarantees for women. Besides Dotasra, whois contesting from Lacchmangarh seat of Sikar, independent MLA Om Prakash Hudla is under the scanner. Should raids be put on hold once the polls are announced, needs to be considered. Importantly, should Election Commission intervene, as Gehlot demands, for on the face of it summoning, arresting or raiding leaders of Opposition parties muddies the level-playing field.

*                                               *                                               *                                               * 

WB ‘Witch Hunt’

ED action against ministers in West Bengal has Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee frowning. “If they conduct raids at the residences of all the leaders, then what is left of the government?” she said, perhaps in jest, but reason to worry. On Thursday last, the ED arrested forest minister Jyoti Priya Mallick in connection with an alleged case of corruption in rationing distribution, when he was minister of food and supply. The arrest followed searches at his home in Salt Lake, Kolkata and he declared himself to be a “victim of a grave conspiracy”. His leader said the raids went ahead even though ‘there was no proof of wrongdoing’. Recall last year minister of education Partha Chatterjee and his assistant were arrested in a teacher recruitment scandal; Anubrata Mondal, Mamata’s close aide and Birbhum leader was detained viz livestock smuggling case; and TMC general secretary and Mamata’s nephew Abhishek Banerjee has been frequently questioned over corruption charges. At a press conference didi said TMC leaders and ministers were being harassed just after Durga Puja, and “Is this the way the country will be run? How many more will you send to jail? Send everyone to jail, even then, you will not get votes.” While she may be right, she needs to set her house in order, sooner than later.

*                                               *                                               *                                               * 

Mizoram Rebuff

BJP should have little hope in Mizoram. Chief Minister Zoramthanga has made it amply clear that he shall not share the stage with Prime Minister Modi when he comes to campaign in the State, around month-end. “The people of Mizoram are all Christians. When the people of Manipur (Meities) burned hundreds of churches in Manipur, they were (Mizos) totally against that kind of idea. To have sympathy with the BJP at this time will be a big minus point for my party,” Zoramthanga told BBC News in an interview on Monday last. His advice: it will be better if the PM comes alone and he shares the platform by himself, and I take the stage separately by myself.” Interestingly, while his MNF is a part of BJP-led NE Democratic Alliance and an ally of NDA at the Centre, the party doesn’t work with the BJP. He explains this is because MNF is totally against the Congress and doesn’t want to be part of any alliance led by it. Indeed, BJP has totally failed in Manipur and with thousands of refugees coming to Mizoram, the MNF has to look after its vote bank. Zoramthanga insists that it is the responsibility of the Centre to restore peace in Manipur so that people can go back to their native state. Till then, his government is taking care of the relief camps with no aid from New Delhi. Perhaps, the BJP and Modi may do well if there is a change in strategy. For if it makes no inroads into Mizoram, it could have an impact on other States. Better to be safe than sorry! 

*                                               *                                               *                                               * 

TN Face-off Gets Worse

The DMK government-Governor face-off gets nastier. With a Molotov cocktail, (petrol bomb) lobbed by a man, out on bail, in front of Raj Bhavan’s main gate in Chennai on Wednesday last has the Governor’s office seeing red. It alleged there have been incidents of public threats to Governor Ravi’s life but a “studied indifference” by state police to the matter has vitiated his security.” In a complaint to Chennai Police Commissioner, it also alleged verbal attacks and threats were “mostly by leaders and workers of DMK and its allies in their public meetings and through their social media.” And these, are “intended to overawe the Governor and restrain him in discharging his Constitutional duties. However, complaints lodged with the police have been inconsequential due to police inaction.” No FIR has been lodged with the police “instead trivialised serious incidents into minor offences with no worthwhile follow-up.” The Opposition parties too condemned the ‘attack’ and criticised Stalin government over ‘deterioration’ of law and order. Guess, there’s more than meets the eye. ---INFA 

(Copyright, India News & Feature Alliance)

Round The States

New Delhi, 28 October 2023

EC Directive To Centre

BAN YATRA IN POLL STATES

By Insaf 

Three cheers to the Election Commission. It has acted promptly and decisively on the complaint about “gross misuse of government machinery”, at the Centre. On Thursday last, it wrote to Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba not to hold its proposed nation-wide ‘Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra’ from November 20 to highlight Modi-led government’s “achievements” in the five poll-bound states and in a bypoll constituency in Nagaland. Congress President Kharge and a retired IAS officer had written to the EC about a letter circulated on October 18 to all Ministries about the yatra and asking them to appoint senior officials as “district rath prabharis.” The fact that ‘only achievements of last 9 years are being considered, gives away the fact this is a transparently political order in the run-up to the 5-state elections and 2024 general elections,’ wrote Kharge, adding “It’s a clear violation of Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1964, which directs that no government servant shall take part in any political activity.” Nirvachan Sadan responded saying on October 9 Assembly polls in the 5 States were announced and the Model Code of Conduct had come into force and under no circumstances the aforesaid activities be undertaken till December 5, day of counting. The government has clarified that the yatra will not make a stop in any poll-bound States. However, a vigil is critical.

*                                               *                                               *                                               * 

ED Raids In Rajasthan

The ED has got into top gear in poll-bound Rajasthan, threatening to severely hit ruling Congress’ campaigning. On Thursday last, it raided premises of state party president Govind Singh Dotasra and former education minister in Jaipur and Sikar as part of a money laundering probe into alleged exam paper leak case and summoned Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot’s Vaibhav son in a FEMA case in Delhi. Investigating agencies, said party President Kharge have become the real 'panna pramukh (party workers)’ of BJP. After Chhattisgarh, ED has also entered the poll campaign in Rajasthan.’ Aptly put, with Gehlot chipping in urging voters to give a befitting reply as the raids come days after he announced guarantees for women. Besides Dotasra, whois contesting from Lacchmangarh seat of Sikar, independent MLA Om Prakash Hudla is under the scanner. Should raids be put on hold once the polls are announced, needs to be considered. Importantly, should Election Commission intervene, as Gehlot demands, for on the face of it summoning, arresting or raiding leaders of Opposition parties muddies the level-playing field.

*                                               *                                               *                                               * 

WB ‘Witch Hunt’

ED action against ministers in West Bengal has Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee frowning. “If they conduct raids at the residences of all the leaders, then what is left of the government?” she said, perhaps in jest, but reason to worry. On Thursday last, the ED arrested forest minister Jyoti Priya Mallick in connection with an alleged case of corruption in rationing distribution, when he was minister of food and supply. The arrest followed searches at his home in Salt Lake, Kolkata and he declared himself to be a “victim of a grave conspiracy”. His leader said the raids went ahead even though ‘there was no proof of wrongdoing’. Recall last year minister of education Partha Chatterjee and his assistant were arrested in a teacher recruitment scandal; Anubrata Mondal, Mamata’s close aide and Birbhum leader was detained viz livestock smuggling case; and TMC general secretary and Mamata’s nephew Abhishek Banerjee has been frequently questioned over corruption charges. At a press conference didi said TMC leaders and ministers were being harassed just after Durga Puja, and “Is this the way the country will be run? How many more will you send to jail? Send everyone to jail, even then, you will not get votes.” While she may be right, she needs to set her house in order, sooner than later.

*                                               *                                               *                                               * 

Mizoram Rebuff

BJP should have little hope in Mizoram. Chief Minister Zoramthanga has made it amply clear that he shall not share the stage with Prime Minister Modi when he comes to campaign in the State, around month-end. “The people of Mizoram are all Christians. When the people of Manipur (Meities) burned hundreds of churches in Manipur, they were (Mizos) totally against that kind of idea. To have sympathy with the BJP at this time will be a big minus point for my party,” Zoramthanga told BBC News in an interview on Monday last. His advice: it will be better if the PM comes alone and he shares the platform by himself, and I take the stage separately by myself.” Interestingly, while his MNF is a part of BJP-led NE Democratic Alliance and an ally of NDA at the Centre, the party doesn’t work with the BJP. He explains this is because MNF is totally against the Congress and doesn’t want to be part of any alliance led by it. Indeed, BJP has totally failed in Manipur and with thousands of refugees coming to Mizoram, the MNF has to look after its vote bank. Zoramthanga insists that it is the responsibility of the Centre to restore peace in Manipur so that people can go back to their native state. Till then, his government is taking care of the relief camps with no aid from New Delhi. Perhaps, the BJP and Modi may do well if there is a change in strategy. For if it makes no inroads into Mizoram, it could have an impact on other States. Better to be safe than sorry! 

*                                               *                                               *                                               * 

TN Face-off Gets Worse

The DMK government-Governor face-off gets nastier. With a Molotov cocktail, (petrol bomb) lobbed by a man, out on bail, in front of Raj Bhavan’s main gate in Chennai on Wednesday last has the Governor’s office seeing red. It alleged there have been incidents of public threats to Governor Ravi’s life but a “studied indifference” by state police to the matter has vitiated his security.” In a complaint to Chennai Police Commissioner, it also alleged verbal attacks and threats were “mostly by leaders and workers of DMK and its allies in their public meetings and through their social media.” And these, are “intended to overawe the Governor and restrain him in discharging his Constitutional duties. However, complaints lodged with the police have been inconsequential due to police inaction.” No FIR has been lodged with the police “instead trivialised serious incidents into minor offences with no worthwhile follow-up.” The Opposition parties too condemned the ‘attack’ and criticised Stalin government over ‘deterioration’ of law and order. Guess, there’s more than meets the eye. ---INFA 

(Copyright, India News & Feature Alliance)

REWIND

New Delhi, 26 October 2023

The People’s Right To Information

By Inder Jit

(Released on 7 August 1984)­­­

Ignorance continues to abound in regard to Parliament, its constitution, practices, procedures and privileges. Thirty-four years as a sovereign democratic Republic seem to have failed to inform and educate our leaders and public adequately. Even members of Parliament have of late spoken in astonishing terms. Not a few inside Parliament and outside have described the current session of the Lok Sabha as “the last session of Parliament.” True, the present Lok Sabha is now approaching the close of its five-year term meet for its winter session in November. (Contrary to reports, no firm decision has yet been taken about the date of the next general election. Mrs Gandhi, it appears, prefers to play it by the ear.) But the Lok Sabha is not Parliament, notwithstanding the fact that it is directly elected. Parliament is also not the two Houses -- the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. Parliament, according to the Constitution, consists of three elements: the President, the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. No single entity, by itself, is Parliament. 

Equally, the basic concept of a parliamentary form of Government is still not understood, even among our parliamentarians. The system provides for an orderly form of government by discussion and debate. As Leo Amery wrote in Thoughts on the Constitution, “the main task of Parliament is still what it was when first summoned, not to legislate or govern but to secure full discussion and ventilation of all matters.” Parliament is essentially a critical forum or, as described by Lloyd George, “the sounding board of the nation” which derives its influence from its ability to speak to and to speak for the people. Yet, thanks to an unfortunate failure of leadership on both sides of the two Houses --- the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha - parliamentary form of Government in India is fast becoming a Government not by debate and discussion in the true sense of the term but a Government by speeches or, more appropriately, a government by “bhashans”. There is less and less of orderly give and take. Even accepted norms of conduct and parliamentary niceties patiently sought to be promoted by Nehru -- have fallen by the wayside. 

Most discussions in the Lok Sabha and with speeches from the two sides with little of the cut and thrust of a vigorous debate, except on rare occasions. Nehru graciously yielded whenever any Opposition member sought to interrupt him in the course of his reply to a debate to elicit a clarification or information. No MP of the ruling party was permitted, much less encouraged, by Nehru, who spent long hours in the House, to heckle or shout down Opposition members. Nothing of the kind happens any more, especially where the Prime Minister is concerned. Mrs Gandhi appears less and less inclined to be interrupted to offer explanations or clarifications as at her Press conferences. (Remember, Mrs Gandhi, at her Press conferences, allows one question one person to give an opportunity to the largest number of newsmen. This procedure, however, bars alert and probing newsmen from following up with searching supplementaries.) The “halla” (shouting) groups Congress-I members make things easier for Mrs Gandhi, even before she has time to say “no”.

Parliament and through it the country stand to gain in any give and take in a debate. The MPs themselves benefit, as in the recent stage case involving Prof Madhu Dandwate and Mr Rajiv Gandhi at one stage and Mr Indrajit Gupta and Mr Rajiv Gandhi at another in the Lok Sabha discussion on Punjab. Both Prof Dandwate and Mr Gupta gracefully yielded to Mr Rajiv Gandhi when the latter sought an opportunity to clarify that he had never described Bhindranwale as a religious leader and had, in fact, strongly criticised him. Dandwate and Mr Gupta added to their parliamentary stature by upholding the best parliamentary norm and yielding to Mr Gandhi. And Rajiv Gandhi, for his part, not only set the record straight but impressed one and all with his unsuspected ability to cross swords with seasoned parliamentarians tactfully ---reminding many Parliament watchers of his father, the late Feroze Gandhi, one of free India’s most effective parliamentarians. Interestingly, Mr. Rajiv Gandhi, who has a rich voice like his father’s, sits close to where Feroze Gandhi adorned the non-official benches. 

Alas, the Opposition is even more at fault. It often fails to play its role and, in the bargain, makes things easier for the Treasury benches. Nothing illustrates this more than the debate on the scandalous and painful happenings in Kashmir. Both Mr George Fernandez, Janata, and Mr Ram Jethmalani, Bharatiya Janata Party, made powerful speeches and blasted both the Centre and the Governor for the havoc played in Srinagar. Unfortunately, however, both were missing when the new Home Minister, Mr P.V. Narasimha Rao, wound up the discussion even if he did so late in the evening in a debate which seemed to go on interminably. With what result? Mr Narasimha Rao was able to get away with blue murder on some basic issues through a slick impressive presentation. In fact, Mr Narasimha Rao was even able to say that the Opposition had little interest in principles. Said he: “Mr Nar Bahadur Bhandari, Congress- I Chief Minister in Sikkim, was dismissed. But he went unwept and unhonoured”. None from the Opposition challenged his tongue-in-the-cheek statement. 

That, however, is only one bit. The Opposition has been behaving astonishingly even otherwise against its own interest. It has, at least, twice in the current session demanded suspension of the Question Hour. Mercifully, the Speaker, Mr Bal Ram Jakhar, overruled the demand. Clearly, the Opposition wanted to emphasize the importance it gave to the Kashmir developments in proposing a virtual adjournment motion on the opening day. But in doing so they allowed their better judgment to run away with their anger over the happenings --- and their desire to demonstrate their support for Dr Farooq Abdullah. The Question Hour is in many ways the most important hour for the Opposition and the back-benchers on both sides of the House and has even been described by some experts as the “sacred hour”. The Government under the Constitution, as we all know, is responsible to Parliament. The Question Hour translates this to reality in practice and ensures the Government’s accountability. It has also been described as the hyphen that links Parliament to the Government. 

Undoubtedly, the Question Hour is the most powerful instrument available to the Opposition and, indeed, to all private members belonging to the ruling party. It enshrines Parliament’s right to know and through it the people’s right to information. The Question Hour in its present form is unique and is practised at present only in Britain and India. It is a part of the daily sittings of the House. Yet it is set apart as an hour itself because Parliament’s first prerogative is to get information. It is held from 11 to 12 noon and precedes the “zero hour” -- or what is called the Public Business in Commons. Since the Question Hour entitles the private members to put questions on anything which comes within the framework of Government or national activities, the rules of the House ensure that the Government does not find an excuse to avoid questions or to conveniently slip out of the dock. The rules provide that there “shall’ be a Question Hour. In Britain, too, it comes right at the beginning. 

The Question Hour serves two other purposes. It provides back-benchers with an opportunity to probe the intelligence and honesty of senior Ministers, even the Prime Minister. It is an occasion which all members may enjoy and benefit from. There is likely to be something for everyone without having to listen to long speeches. It also needs to be remembered that a Minster personally handles very few of the day-to-day decisions which are taken by his civil servants in his name. These decisions are, of course, made in a way which the official thinks conforms to ministerial policy. A question about one of these decisions brings the case on to the Minister’s desk. The decision may have been taken at quite a low level in the department. It now is looked at by the senior members of the department -- the Secretary as well as the Minister. But the fact that the Minister has to give the answer in a full House and to be prepared for supplementaries helps in keeping him on his toes. 

The crucial importance of the right to information is not adequately appreciated. The right to information carries the right to question and, by implication, to control and direct. An interesting story comes to mind and deserves to be retold. Winston Churchill is said to have asked Lord Mountbatten only one question when the latter sought his advice about whether or not he should accept Governor-Generalship of India following independence: “Would you have the right to information?” When Mountbatten replied yes, Churchill said; “Fine. Go ahead.” India’s President enjoys the same right. Alas, however, it has seldom been exercised. Rajen Babu, India’s first President, is known to have exercised it. But he ceased to do so when he discovered that it was beginning to sour his relations with Nehru. Mr B.D. Jatti, as Acting President, exercised it in 1978 and created a sensation and a major problem for the Janata Government which then wanted him to sign an ordinance to dismiss nine State Governments. 

Parliament’s right to information has enabled members over the years to bring to light through questions some sensational scandals in Government’s functioning. Prominent among these have been the Jeep scandal, the Mundhra affair which led to the resignation of T.T. Krishnamachari as Finance Minister, the Serajuddin case which led to the exit of K.D. Malaviya from the Cabinet, the Tulmohan Ram affair and, lately, the Kuo oil deal. During the British regime, S. Satyamurthi of the Congress Party, for instance, became a terror through his probing questions. All in all, both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha may not have the power to bend or break the Government, especially where it has a two-thirds majority. But it has the power to influence the Government by exposing its weaknesses and acts of omission and commission. This is vital if one remembers that the ultimate power in our democratic system rests with the people through the ballot box. Parliament has a key role. But this role needs to be fully grasped and exploited.---INFA

(Copyright, India News & Feature Alliance)