Opinion Speaking for Myself: Why, as a young Indian, I have lost faith in Parliament

Ensuring that quality decision-making is never compromised is essential in any democracy. This is so that diverse stakeholders, including the general public, get to participate in crucial decisions. However, as the Aadhaar Bill gets passed as another Money Bill, concerns about Manipur go unheard and major legislative changes are passed as ordinances —- it’s time to reflect on whether we can still call the Indian Parliament our own.

Most of us have grown up listening to Abraham Lincoln’s definition of what an ideal democracy is — “of the people, by the people, for the people”. Until recently, I had the same understanding of the concept.

It has started dawning on me, though, that people feel as alienated from Indian politics as they do with the people they elected to power. Seldom are they aware of the candidate contesting from their constituencies. In our first-past-the-post election system, it’s the party that matters more. So, perhaps comedian and actor Vir Das was right when he said that we live in two Indias.

As parliamentary debate turns into “banter” about “trivial” matters and personal attacks become a staple, the people of Bharat are experiencing a sense of disillusionment.

PM Modi has promised that his third term in office will elevate India to the world’s third-largest economy, calling it another significant “Modi guarantee”. But the people of India seek concrete responses, not mere assurances. Being receptive and accountable appears to be optional for current parliamentarians.

The people of India deserve answers. We needed answers when Ranjan Gogoi was appointed as a member of the Rajya Sabha; we needed answers when the Hindenburg report on Adani came out; and we await a response on why it took two months and a video for Parliament to take note of the violence in Manipur.

Don’t get me wrong, these questions are meant for all parliamentarians alike. One of the main reasons we have not been able to ensure accountability is that the Opposition isn’t pursuing the ruling dispensation hard enough. Checks and balances mechanisms like Question Hour and Zero Hour have been reduced to mere gimmicks. The Opposition must realise that they represent the concerns and expectations of Indian citizens as much as the ruling party does. With opposition parties forming the INDIA alliance, it remains to be seen if they will successfully represent the people of India and their concerns.

Youth engagement in politics is a global concern and India is no exception. One of the main issues, in my opinion, is apathy among policymakers and politicians and a lack of youth-centric policies. While initiatives like the PM’s Mann Ki Baat show and the government’s active engagement on Twitter have enabled direct communication with young citizens, a lot needs to change structurally.

In addition to direct youth representation in Parliament, there are various ways to enhance our engagement with and access to the political landscape. Parliamentary committees and multi-party groups can engage with youth civil society organisations (CSOs) through public consultations to invite their views on various issues. Capacity development for youth CSOs, including advocacy and public speaking training, can also empower people to generate a focused impact. For instance, in Jamaica, the National Youth Parliamentary Watch Committee reviews bills and policies before Parliament, focusing on youth mainstreaming objectives. Similarly, the Turkish National Assembly established a Child Rights Monitoring Committee with UNICEF’s support. The internet offers opportunities for direct engagement, as seen in Jordan, where UNDP aided the Ministry of Political Development in enhancing social media communication with young citizens. Moreover, initiatives like Parliament Watch in Germany allow ordinary citizens, including the youth, to scrutinise members of parliament and access voting behaviour information. These examples demonstrate various effective approaches to engaging and involving young people in parliamentary processes.

With the largest and one of the youngest populations in the world, the Indian Parliament needs to say a big ‘Yes to Youth’. While the value of experience can’t be understated, we need greater collaboration between young leaders and experienced political stalwarts. Only then can we ensure that Indian democracy belongs to every Indian citizen.

As the new Parliament building stands tall, it must symbolise not just an architectural marvel, but a beacon of hope for a nation of 1.4 billion people. Amidst the uproar, it is incumbent upon parliamentarians to remember their sacred duty: To serve and uplift every citizen of this great country. Only by rekindling the spirit of unity, inclusivity, and genuine dedication to the welfare of the people can they turn this moment into a catalyst for positive change. Let this inauguration mark the beginning of a new era where the collective aspirations of the nation are heard, respected, and translated into concrete actions that lead India towards a brighter, more equitable future for all.

The writer recently completed her undergraduate degree in Political Science and is the founder of Mandonna, a gender research consulting agency