A Letter to the Future Vice President, Strengthening Indian Parliamentary Democracy Through Accountability, Inclusivity, and Reform
Introduction
India’s democracy is rooted in robust institutions, and one of the most significant of these is the Rajya Sabha — the Council of States. The Vice President of India, as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, holds a crucial constitutional responsibility. With the 15th Vice President’s election imminent, Derek O’Brien, MP and leader of the All India Trinamool Congress Parliamentary Party, has penned a compelling column offering eight suggestions to the new incumbent. His address to the “empty chair” is not merely symbolic but represents a broader call for reform, reflection, and reinforcement of democratic practices in the Parliament.
This current affair analysis elaborates on the concerns and suggestions outlined by O’Brien, examining their implications for parliamentary functioning, legislative scrutiny, and democratic accountability. Through this lens, we explore the role of the Vice President in upholding constitutional values, strengthening checks and balances, and restoring Parliament’s credibility as the temple of Indian democracy.
The Symbolism of the Empty Chair
O’Brien begins his column by addressing an “empty chair,” a rhetorical device intended to signify the temporary vacancy in India’s second-highest constitutional office. This metaphor becomes a powerful starting point to list the pressing reforms needed in the conduct and procedures of the Rajya Sabha. The empty chair stands for responsibility not yet shouldered, challenges not yet tackled, and opportunities for reform still waiting to be seized.
The author rightly points out that this chair is more than ceremonial. It symbolizes the potential to restore democratic dignity, especially when Parliament faces increasing criticism for procedural shortcuts, limited debate, and partisanship.
Eight Pillars of Parliamentary Rejuvenation
Below is a detailed expansion of the eight key suggestions offered to the incoming Vice President:
1. Take ‘Notice’ of the Opposition
A core function of a democratic parliament is to allow the Opposition to hold the government accountable. One key tool for this is the “Notice” system, wherein MPs submit formal requests for discussions on urgent matters. The data presented by O’Brien paints a grim picture. From 2009 to 2016, 110 such notices were admitted for debate in the Rajya Sabha. Between 2017 and 2024, this number dropped to a dismal 36.
Implication:
This sharp decline is indicative of shrinking parliamentary space for the Opposition. The Vice President, as Chair of the Rajya Sabha, must play a proactive role in restoring this balance by interpreting Rule 267 — which allows suspension of business for urgent issues — in a democratic and inclusive manner.
2. Stop Mass Suspension of MPs
The suspension of 146 MPs in December 2023, including 100 from the Lok Sabha, marks a low point in India’s parliamentary history. O’Brien contextualizes this by noting that in the ten years of UPA I and II, only about 50 MPs were suspended. The reason for the 2023 suspension? A demand for a statement from the Home Minister on a security breach in Parliament.
Implication:
Suspension should not be wielded as a tool of suppression. The new Vice President must encourage consensus-building and de-escalation mechanisms to address dissent rather than simply expel it. Constructive criticism must not be confused with disruption.
3. Choosing Vice Chairs with Care
Vice Chairs are chosen to preside over the House in the absence of the Chair and Deputy Chair. However, O’Brien laments that this selection has become perfunctory, with about 30 MPs nominated in the last two years, diluting the seriousness of the role.
Suggestion:
Only experienced MPs should be chosen, and the Opposition should be informally consulted. Doing so would send a powerful signal of bipartisan respect and improve decorum during proceedings.
4. Do Not Censor Protests by the Opposition
In a democracy, the right to protest is sacred. O’Brien criticizes the government-controlled Sansad TV for editing footage to only show the Treasury benches while suppressing visuals of Opposition protests.
Implication:
This erodes transparency and creates a sanitized, misleading narrative of Parliament’s functioning. The Vice President should insist on fair broadcasting policies that reflect the House’s realities — dissent included.
5. Ensure More Bills are Sent for Scrutiny
Parliamentary committees play a vital role in examining legislation. Yet the scrutiny of bills has been significantly reduced over the past decade:
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14th Lok Sabha: 6/10 bills sent to committees
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15th Lok Sabha: 7/10 bills
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16th Lok Sabha: Around 4/10 bills
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17th Lok Sabha: Only 2/10 bills
Implication:
Legislation passed without scrutiny can lead to flawed or ineffective laws. The Vice President must advocate for strengthening committee systems and encourage meaningful consultation with stakeholders.
6. Let MPs Exercise Constitutional Rights
Members of Parliament have the right to request a “division” (electronic voting) on contentious bills. Yet in recent years, even this basic right has been repeatedly denied — including during the controversial passage of the farm bills.
Implication:
Denying division amounts to denying democratic voice. The Chair must ensure that such requests are granted, especially when they come from multiple MPs. The sanctity of voting — the heartbeat of democracy — must be preserved.
7. Must Accept Points of Order
A “point of order” is raised when an MP believes a rule has been violated. According to parliamentary rules, when members feel something wrong has occurred, they “can and should” bring it to the attention of the Chair.
Observation:
O’Brien argues that such points are often ignored, thereby reducing members’ ability to ensure adherence to procedure.
Role of the Vice President:
Accepting and responding to points of order is fundamental to parliamentary discipline. The new Chair must lead by example in maintaining fairness and due process.
8. Do Away with Birthday Greetings
In a sharp but humorous critique, O’Brien points out that the practice of wishing MPs on their birthdays takes up over 400 minutes a year — time that could be better used for policy debates.
Observation:
While well-intentioned, such gestures are not necessary in a time-constrained environment where serious issues go undebated.
Suggestion:
Such traditions should be reconsidered to prioritize meaningful discussion over ceremonial pleasantries.
Broader Democratic Implications
These suggestions are more than procedural tweaks; they are a roadmap for restoring India’s Parliament to its ideal function — as a crucible for democratic debate, not a stage-managed theatre.
The decline in scrutiny, increased censorship, and reduced role of the Opposition erode trust in democratic institutions. The Vice President must rise above partisan loyalties and ensure that the Rajya Sabha continues to be a house of reasoned deliberation.
The Need for a Non-Partisan Chair
Perhaps the most important quality the next Vice President must embody is impartiality. The Chair should be above party politics, allowing both ruling and opposition members to participate meaningfully.
This impartiality becomes especially crucial in a polarized political climate where even procedural fairness can become contentious. The Vice President must not only uphold the Constitution but also be seen as doing so.
Conclusion
Derek O’Brien’s column, in the form of advice to an “empty chair,” is a passionate and necessary reminder of the values enshrined in India’s Constitution — accountability, debate, dissent, and deliberation. The eight suggestions offered are timely and reflective of the urgent need to protect parliamentary democracy from becoming a rubber stamp for executive power.
The incoming Vice President has an opportunity — and responsibility — to reset the tone of parliamentary functioning. By ensuring fairness, restoring trust in procedures, and safeguarding MPs’ rights across party lines, the Chair can uphold the dignity of the Rajya Sabha.
This is not merely a question of procedural reform but a foundational test of how India’s democracy evolves in the coming years. The nation watches — expectantly — not just for who sits in the Chair, but how they choose to use its immense constitutional authority.
