Source of photo Internet
Shimla, Feb 7,
Former Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister and ex-Union Minister Shanta Kumar on Saturday voiced grave concern over what he termed a sharp decline in the functioning and decorum of the Lok Sabha, calling it a matter of worry for the world’s largest democracy.
Expressing anguish over recent developments in the Lower House, the 92-year-old veteran leader said the situation had deteriorated to such an extent that the Prime Minister was reportedly unable to address the House due to security concerns, following inputs received by the Speaker. He described the episode as unprecedented and disturbing.
Kumar alleged that objectionable slogans were raised during the proceedings and that a Member of Parliament was even called a “traitor” on the floor of the House — something he said had no precedent in parliamentary history. “In my entire public life, I have never witnessed such scenes. What happened left me deeply embarrassed,” he remarked.
Recalling his decades-long political journey, Kumar said he had served 33 years as an MLA and as a member of both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. He also held the responsibility of Chief Minister and Union Minister twice each and had represented India at the United Nations as part of a parliamentary delegation.
Drawing from the words of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Kumar said, “The walls of parties are low, but the temple of the Nation is very high,” urging leaders across patty lines to rise above partisan considerations in the larger interest of the country.
He said that countless freedom fighters — from Bhagat Singh to many unsung patriots — had sacrificed their lives for India’s independence, and the recent scenes in Parliament would have anguished their souls.
Warning that the Lok Sabha risked being reduced to a “house of noise” instead of a house of deliberation, Kumar appealed to all political parties to introspect and take corrective measures to restore the dignity and sanctity.
He cautioned that such incidents not only weaken democratic institutions internally but also dent India’s image globally. “What transpired has brought embarrassment to 1.4 billion Indians before the world,” he said.
About the Author
The HimachalScape Bureau comprises seasoned journalists from Himachal Pradesh with over 25 years of experience in leading media conglomerates such as The Times of India and United News of India. Known for their in-depth regional insights, the team brings credible, research-driven, and balanced reportage on Himachal’s socio-political and developmental landscape.
