Rs. 2.5 Lakh Per Minute Of Taxpayers Money Down The Drain. Who’s Really Paying The Price For The Billionaire Brawl In Parliament?

As the Indian economy stumbles under the weight of a faltering GDP, a depreciating rupee, skyrocketing inflation, dwindling forex reserves, and crippling taxation, one would expect our elected representatives to prioritize urgent national issues.

Yet, what unfolds in the halls of Parliament is nothing short of absurdity—a battle over two billionaires that has rendered the winter session largely defunct. The cost? A staggering Rs 2.5 lakh per minute, all paid by the Indian taxpayer.

Instead of addressing the existential crises facing millions of Indians—toxic air, devastating rains, and an economy in distress—our parliamentarians have chosen to squander taxpayers’ money on squabbles. Both the ruling BJP and the opposition Congress have locked horns, hijacking Parliament proceedings over allegations involving two tycoons, leaving pressing issues that impact the daily lives of citizens unaddressed.

The Taxpayer’s Burden And Politicians Ridiculously High Salaries And Perks

Consider this—Parliament, which functions entirely on taxpayers’ money, has become a venue for grandstanding rather than governance.

As MPs draw a hefty monthly salary of Rs 1 lakh, alongside allowances for office expenses, travel, and even free utilities, it’s worth asking—what are they delivering in return? Are these privileges justified when the very institution meant to hold the government accountable has become a stage for political posturing?

The ongoing stalemate has not only drained public funds but also eroded the opportunity to hold meaningful debates on national priorities. With just nine working days remaining in the session, one can’t help but ask- do our leaders even care?

A Circus of Blame

While the Congress has been relentless in its demand to discuss allegations of bribery involving the Adani Group, the BJP has countered with accusations linking Congress leaders to George Soros, a billionaire accused of funding regime changes worldwide.

Regional parties like the Trinamool Congress and the Samajwadi Party, frustrated by this deadlock, have distanced themselves from the fracas, calling for Parliament to function as it should.

“We believe that the House should run,” said Samajwadi Party MP Dimple Yadav. But who is listening? As the BJP and Congress dig their heels deeper, regional voices are drowned, and the democratic process is further undermined.

Hell…Does This Happen In Other Countries?

In sharp contrast, countries like the United States and the United Kingdom, despite their political divisions, ensure that key legislative processes are seldom disrupted for personal agendas.

In the U.S., congressional hearings are televised, with legislators grilled over pressing matters ranging from economic policies to defense strategies.

The UK Parliament, known for its heated debates, still manages to maintain decorum and ensure that time is allocated to discuss critical national issues. Such practices show the glaring dysfunction of India’s Parliament, where personal vendettas and political theater take precedence over public service.

Wastage Beyond Comprehension

It was reported that there simmers discontent even within Congress ranks, with Lok Sabha MPs expressing frustration over their leadership’s rigid stance on the Adani issue. Meanwhile, the cost of disruptions has skyrocketed.

In 2012, then Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pawan Bansal estimated the cost of disruptions at Rs 2.5 lakh per minute. By 2021, a report pegged the cost of logjams at Rs 133 crore for an entire session. These numbers are not just alarming; they’re an indictment of the political class’s apathy.

We Are The Real Victims

Lost in this chaos are the citizens who bear the brunt of inaction.

From crumbling infrastructure to environmental disasters, the challenges facing India are monumental. Yet, these issues barely find a mention in the current discourse. The opposition’s fixation on billionaires and the ruling party’s counterattacks have turned Parliament into a battleground, leaving the average citizen to fend for themselves.

Parliament’s primary purpose is to legislate, deliberate, and hold the government accountable. Its consistent failure to do so is a betrayal of the public trust. The taxpayers who fund this institution deserve better than petty squabbles and washed-out sessions.

If the current trend continues, India risks not only financial losses but also the erosion of its democratic ethos. More importantly the question is no longer just about who is to blame. It’s about when—or if—those in power will wake up to the needs of the people they claim to serve.