We bid farewell to the 17th Lok Sabha. This was a Lok Sabha with many questionable firsts.
(i) In terms of number of working days, this was the least productive Lok Sabha since 1952.
(ii) no Vice-Chairman was appointed throughout;
(iii) The Prime Minister did not answer any questions in the floor.
(iv) During the last seven years, not a single notification by an Opposition Member was received for consideration (under Rule 267) in the Parliament of India.
(v) Members of Parliament in the Treasury were allowed to use communal slurs on the floor of the House of Commons.
(vi) First security breach in Sabah
(vii) 146 opposition members suspended for demanding discussion on violations;
(viii) Approximately 300 questions asked by opposition members were deleted.
But let’s put all this serious issue aside. Here are 10 useless pieces of information about Congress.
1. Diet members should smile more…
…thanks to a new facial recognition system installed at the entrance. MPs will have to stop and have their faces scanned when entering the new building. This means more MPs will be smiling before entering Parliament grounds. A welcome change from the usual scowl.
2. Separate cafeteria
Unfortunately, the new parliament building does not have a central hall. Therefore, there is no large common meeting area. Both houses have separate cafes. One is very close to Lok Sabha and the other is very close to Rajya Sabha. When a Rajya Sabha MP goes to a Lok Sabha canteen, or vice versa, there’s a good chance they feel like guests of honor (and won’t even be asked to pay the bill) ).
3. Fish fry
Parliament House continues to serve fish fry and mutton/chicken biryani. Reasonable price. Non-vegetarians are still holding out. Pescatarians have another grouse. Currently, fish fries are made using unhealthy basa. After several rounds of lobbying, the caterer was persuaded to use Betki fish from the next session.
4. Gate name
The new parliament building has six gates. Each is named after a real or mythical creature. Gaja Dwar, Ashwa Dwar, Garuda Dwar, Makar Dwar, Shardula Dwar, Hamsa Dwar. While this is certainly an inspired thought, some thought could have been given to the Southern and Eastern members of Congress who struggle with pronunciation every morning. Who would have thought that linguistic gatekeeping would become so literal in people’s lives?
5. There is no place for the media
The new building is being built as stylishly as possible, but media members have no choice but to grab MPs at the main gates and listen or chat with them. That’s ridiculous! The designated room is located in a corner of the complex, a reasonable distance from the venue. The buildings may be new, but the attitude towards democratic principles remains outdated.
6. The room looks empty.
In the previous complex, the seating structure created a great sense of camaraderie. Firm seating has built-in benefits. The end of physical distance brought colleagues with a common ideology closer to each other, both literally and figuratively, creating an energy essential to fostering team spirit. In the new complex, the chamber where parliamentarians sit is so vast that it appears almost empty.
7. No lobby
There is no “narrow private lobby” between the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha chambers and the areas immediately outside them. Expansions of open space take away areas of “privacy”. Some colleagues used derisive language about Robbie. Is this a Marriott or a Holiday Inn?
8. Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi in the hallways is much better in newer complexes. It’s a common sight to see MPs abusing the network on their phones, one asking their assistant for sources and data points, another launching the right WhatsApp whisper at the right time. Wi-Fi is 10/10.
9. Exotic Snacks
What would a new building be without an avant-garde food menu? Menu items now include Caesar salad, quinoa, couscous, and sprouts. Old favorites like toast and butter remain. No one complains about exotic additions.
10.PA is not allowed
Parliamentarians’ personal assistants (PAs) have been banned from entering the new complex. This will put pressure on technically challenged members of Congress. Why block the PA and personal assistants from entering parliament when we have effectively banished the media?
Research credit: Varnika Mishra
(Derek O’Brien MP, leading Trinamool Congress in Rajya Sabha)
Disclaimer: These are the author’s personal opinions.