In a bid to promote greater regional inclusion, YSR Congress MP Maddila Gurumoorthy has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju to hold two parliamentary sessions annually in South India. In a letter addressed to PM Modi on November 28, the Tirupati MP emphasized the logistical and climatic challenges posed by Delhi, particularly during extreme weather conditions. He argued that shifting some parliamentary sessions to the South would not only improve the efficiency of Parliament but also reduce the physical and emotional strain on MPs and encourage better legislative productivity.

Climate and Logistical Challenges in Delhi

Gurumoorthy explained that the harsh winters and scorching summer heat in Delhi often affect the daily functioning of Parliament. The severe cold and intense heat, he noted, create an inefficient working environment for MPs, impacting their ability to engage in legislative duties effectively. By holding sessions in a more temperate climate in South India, the MPs could focus better, resulting in more productive debates and policy decisions.

This call for change comes amidst the ongoing Winter Session of Parliament that began on November 25, and is seen as an effort to make the functioning of Parliament more inclusive and accessible to all regions of India.

A Symbolic Gesture of National Unity

The proposal goes beyond just improving logistical conditions; it is framed as a symbolic gesture of national unity. Gurumoorthy stressed that decentralizing Parliament and holding sessions in the South would demonstrate that the Indian Parliament represents the entire country, not just its capital. This idea reflects the broader vision of including regional voices more effectively in national discourse.

Historical Backing from Dr. Ambedkar and Vajpayee

This proposal is not entirely new. Gurumoorthy referenced the ideas of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, both of whom had voiced similar concerns about the centralization of government functions in Delhi. Dr. Ambedkar, in his book Thoughts on Linguistic States, argued that Delhi was inconvenient for people from the South, as they had to endure the physical discomfort of long travel distances and harsh weather. He suggested having two capitals for the country, one in the South, to provide a more balanced and accessible governance system.

In 1959, Prakash Vir Shastri, an Independent MP from Gurgaon, introduced a Private Member’s Bill proposing to hold one session of the Lok Sabha annually in South India. Vajpayee, who was with the Bharatiya Jan Sangh at the time, supported this initiative, saying it should not be viewed through a political lens. He recognized the merit in having Parliament sessions closer to the people of southern states.

Opposition from BJP and Other Concerns

Despite the historical backing and the appeal for a more inclusive approach, the proposal has faced opposition. BJP’s Mysuru MP Yaduveer Wadiyar dismissed the idea, calling it tedious and a waste of time. He argued that moving Parliament sessions to the South would be an excessive logistical challenge. The infrastructure and resources required to transport parliamentary machinery and arrange for security and administration in another location would be cumbersome, Wadiyar noted.

Furthermore, the BJP has long supported a unified administrative framework centered around Delhi, arguing that shifting the Parliament’s operations could lead to unnecessary disruptions and complications.

Conclusion

The proposal from Gurumoorthy underscores the growing desire to address regional disparities in governance and make the legislative process more inclusive. Whether this suggestion will be taken up by the government remains to be seen, but it certainly highlights the need for a balanced approach to national governance that goes beyond just Delhi. As discussions continue, the debate over decentralizing Parliament will likely gain momentum, with arguments focusing on efficiency, national unity, and accessibility.

The Upcoming IPOs in this week and coming weeks are Nisus Finance, Emerald Tyre Manufacturers, Jungle Camps, Purple United, Rosmerta Digital and Avanse Financial.The Current active IPO is Ganesh Infraworld and Suraksha Diagnostic.For more details on upcoming IPOs, you can visit our page at Best IPO to Apply Now - IPO List 2024, Latest IPO, Upcoming IPO, Recent IPO News, Live IPO GMP Today - Finance Saathi and stay updated with the latest news on IPO updates on Top News Headlines - Share Market News, Latest IPO News, Business News, Economy News - Finance Saathi.Join our Trading with CA Abhay Telegram Channel for regular Stock Market Trading and Investment Calls by CA Abhay Varn - SEBI Registered Research Analyst & Finance Saathi Telegram Channel for Regular Share Market, News & IPO Updates.Start your Stock Market Journey and Apply in IPO by opening a Free Demat Account in Choice Broking FinX.