Parliament Must Be Better Utilised by Opposition, Says Shashi Tharoor

New Delhi, August 3, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Monday underlined the importance of Parliament as a vital platform for debate and accountability, saying the Opposition must make better use of the institution to raise public issues and place its views on record, regardless of the government’s numerical strength.

Speaking to reporters outside Parliament, Tharoor said he had consistently maintained over the past several years that Parliament remains one of the Opposition’s strongest democratic tools.

He said Parliament provides opportunities to question ministers, raise constituency and national issues through mechanisms such as Zero Hour and Rule 377, and hold the government accountable.

Expressing concern over the passage of legislation without adequate debate, Tharoor said meaningful parliamentary discussions are essential for understanding the intent behind laws. He referred to a judicial observation in an earlier case, noting that courts often rely on parliamentary debates to interpret legislative intent.

“Even if the government has the numbers to pass a Bill, the Opposition must still present its arguments and place its concerns on record. Those discussions become part of the parliamentary record and can be important for future judicial interpretation,” he said.

Tharoor also expressed concern over what he described as the declining engagement between the government and the Opposition, saying the absence of meaningful dialogue had affected the functioning of Parliament.

He said it was the government’s responsibility to ensure that Parliament functions effectively, adding that constructive communication between both sides was essential for smooth legislative business.

Recalling earlier parliamentary practices, Tharoor said Parliamentary Affairs Ministers traditionally maintained regular dialogue with Opposition leaders to resolve differences and minimise disruptions. He added that the spirit of consensus-building and give-and-take appeared to be missing today, which, he said, was not healthy for parliamentary democracy.