Unparliamentary Words in Parliament
KAKALI DAS
There was once a time when the parliament proceedings used to be amusing. Basically, it was a true representation of the street – action, drama, passion, love, and affection, etc.
The role of opposition has weakened over the years. There is no leader, no strategy or passion. And, now, events in the parliament will be more boring because now the members of parliament will have to think twice before speaking.
According to article 105 and 194, MPs and MLAs have specific immunities and privileges. This includes total freedom of speech in proceedings. Until now, the members had taken freedom of speech quite far and caught in several skirmishes.
But no more! The Supreme Court has clearly stated that privileges and immunity will no more be the shield of criminal acts, no physical violence in the name of free speech. So far it can be deemed as being a positive step.
But, Freedom of Speech is being further adjusted to suit the politicians and cause less embarrassment in the house. That is why certain words have been declared un-parliamentary – baal buddhi(Kiddish thinking), covid spreader, ashamed, abused, drama, incompetent, anarchist, shakuni (the main antagonist in the epic Mahabharata), dictatorial, taanashah (dictator), khalistani, khoonsekheti(farming with blood) etc. Wish the mainstream news channels were also stopped from using these terminologies!
Worth noting that some everyday usage Hindi words have also been deemed un-parliamentary such as, Vinash (destructive), Purush(male), Jumlajeevi (someone making false statements),DohraCharitra (dual personality), Nikamma (useless), Nautanki (gimmick), Dhindorapeetna (making a scene), Behrisarkar (deaf government), Girgit (one who changes colour) ,GhadiyaliAnsu (crocodile tears), Apmaan (insult), Asatya (false), Ahankaar (pride), Chamcha (bootlicker), Vishwasghat (betrayal), Dadagiri etc.
Can you imagine criticizing any politician without using those words? Such words were invented for politics; it’s an unbreakable bond. Not using critical words in politics is like eating samosa without potato. There is still a scope whether or not these words can be used in the parliament. Rajya Sabha Chairman and Lok Sabha speaker will have the last word in expunging words and expressions.
Context will be taken into account they said. The list states that some of the keywords may not appear un-parliamentary unless read in conjunction with the other expression spoken during the parliamentary proceedings.
There is a list in English as well for ‘Shashi Tharoor’!
Just because he can walk and talk in English does not mean he can criticize in English anymore! (pun intended)
In the upcoming monsoon season, words like – Hypocrisy, Snoopgate, Sexualharassment, Bloodshed, Bloody, Betrayed, Ashamed, Cheated, Childishness, Corrupt, Coward, Criminal, Crocodiletears, Goons, Disgrace, Donkey, Eyewash, Fudge, Hooliganism, Incompetent,Mislead, Lie, Untrue, Anarchist, Crocodile, Drama etc. – will be considered unparliamentary and be deleted from vocabulary.
But, lie and mislead? How can these words be un-parliamentary? Shashi Tharoor will definitely have an ocean of words in his dictionary that have not been called un-parliamentary yet!
Here is more such un-parliamentary word list – Gaddar (betrayer),KalaDhan (Black Money), KalaBazaari (Black Market), Dalal,Chamchagiri(bootlicking), Chelas.
However, this banning of certain words didn’t work well with the opposition party. TMC MP Mahua Moitra said that the new list of un-parliamentary words for Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha “does not include Sanghi”, adding that the government has “Basically taken all words used by the opposition to describe how BJP destroying India & banned them”.
There were many who even threw an open challenge saying that they will continue using these words no matter the consequences. Derek O’Brien said, “GAG ORDER ISSUED ON MPs. I will use all these words. Suspend me. Fighting for democracy.”
Most certainly, banning these hoard of words as unparliamentary can be seen as a ‘masterstroke’ by the BJP government to deviate the focus of the common mass from the burning issues of inflation, unemployment, GDP, flood etc. People can now keep themselves busy brainstorming ‘how to deal with this un-parliamentary-words-situation’ in the parliament. What a move! (sigh)
It is said that this is done to maintain dignity inside the parliament house. And this is not the first time being done. But ceasing regular terminology won’t be good for parliamentary debates. Something to be worried about. Hope that speeches in the parliament from now aren’t so much like the following –
“Greetings. Pleased to be amongst you all. Gratitude to party high command for giving me this opportunity. Enjoyed today’s meal a lot. My compliments to the parliament canteen staff. So, all is well. And all that is not well will be in coming years. Thank you.” (sarcasm intended)
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