The Congress has criticised a mock Parliament programme held in New Delhi on October 30, describing it as a “cruel joke” on democracy. The event was organised by the citizens’ group Citizens for Democracy at the NDMC Convention Centre under the theme ‘Democracy vs Anarchy’.
Congress general secretary K. C. Venugopal accused BJP-sponsored organisations of staging the exercise after what he described as years of the ruling party weakening parliamentary practices. The criticism comes amid continuing opposition objections to parliamentary functioning and electoral issues.
Venugopal and Ramesh Question the Event
Venugopal alleged that the government had treated Parliament like a rubber stamp for passing legislation while limiting opposition voices. He questioned the symbolism of holding a mock Parliament when, in the Congress’s view, parliamentary debate had been undermined.
Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh also criticised the programme. He accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah of weakening debate and accountability.
Ramesh referred to the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023, noting that it was passed when several opposition MPs had been suspended, according to the source report.
Participants Discuss Electoral Questions
The mock Parliament sought to recreate parliamentary proceedings. Participants took on the roles of political leaders and discussed electoral integrity, democratic institutions, Electronic Voting Machines and the Election Commission.
The Congress’s criticism coincided with the INDIA bloc’s planned symbolic protest concerning Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The programme, originally set for October 30, was moved to October 31 because of heavy rain in Delhi.
Opposition Rally Scheduled for November 1
The INDIA bloc is also preparing a rally at Ramlila Maidan on November 1, with opposition parties intending to raise concerns about the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls and alleged voter-list irregularities.
These parallel events have intensified the political exchange over parliamentary debate, electoral institutions and the relationship between the government and opposition. The claims made by the Congress remain part of a broader political dispute.