It is extremely disheartening to see the way NDA is behaving in the Parliament. There are three ways to function as opposition- amicable/constructive, antagonistic/always critical, and destructive/disruptive. It is unfortunate that NDA has chosen to follow the third path. They decided to ignore/walk-out whenever the tainted ministers' replied to questions/ participated in discussions/ presented the railway budget in the Parliament. They feel that it is below the dignity of the Parliament. The logic is accepted. However, the way to combat criminalization of politics must be 'meaningful' and 'constructive'. NDA should put moral pressure on the government and should take the issue to the people of the country. It looks like it is interested only in creating trouble to the UPA government. Although few ministers in NDA government also faced corruption and criminal charges, one can not blame NDA for targeting the government on this issue. However, the strategy they are adopting to cleanse the government and politics is extremely disruptive and disappointing to the voters who voted for them. NDA is not only damaging the democratic practices but are also letting down the people who reposed confidence in them.

In a democracy the Opposition handles greater responsibility than the ruling party, as they need to perform as watch-dogs. The Opposition is as important as the Treasury Bench in a democracy, even more important than the government itself in terms of providing checks and balances. NDA must understand that they are not representing people of other country in our Parliament. Neither that an alien group from the other nation(s) is governing our democracy. Non-cooperation/non-participation in standing and consultative committees of Parliament is not in the good spirit. It is total abdication of their responsibility. The country has not voted them to govern for the next five years. If they can not perform as an effective Opposition in the Parliament, they have no locus standii to continue as Members of Parliament. There are only two roles a Member of Parliament or a party/group can play in the Parliament. If people had given them a role and if they do not want to play that role, decide not to be functional, and carry on with their childish adamant attitude, they have to vacate their memberships from the Parliament. With the recent decision of NDA not to be part of Parliamentary Committees, they have become redundant in our Parliament. Why to carry this extra luggage. The nation must tell them to 'off-load' themselves if they can not get 'on board'. Not only that they are redundant, they had violated their oath also. When they took oath, they promised to work as per our Constitution and in the interests of people and our democracy. Their recent decision suggests that they do not want to function in the interests of our people and democracy.

It may not be a bad idea to file a writ petition in the Supreme Court against NDA's decision. It would give clarity whether an adamant, atrocious, and irresponsible Opposition has any role in our democracy given the fact more than one crore of rupees is spent in conducting one-day's proceeding in the Parliament. If the law permits, the Supreme Court must suo motto take up this issue and send a notice to the in-charge of Parliamentary proceedings. Any form of disruptive action by the Opposition is condemnable. However, the latest decision of NDA throws up a new challenge to our Constitution and democratic norms. If the opposition boycotts the Parliamentary Committees how can the democracy work? Checks and Balances from the Opposition are the real pillars of democratic governance. If the policemen in a City/State do not do their job due to their grievances with the government, who would protect the subjects of that City/State? The boycott decision of the Opposition is no different to the analogy cited here. President should intervene and set right the situation. He should not allow the boycott decision to be followed. If needed legal action should be resorted to. If the NDA is really bothered about the sanctity of the Parliament and the government, they must en masse resign from the Parliament (from both the Houses). If they continue in the Parliament, they need to be part of all the Parliamentary processes. They can not sit in and strike. NDA should understand that government and Parliament are two different things.