In a sharp critique that has ignited political debate, Congress Member of Parliament Gaurav Gogoi has accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of deliberately "hijacking" the functioning of Parliament. The core of the allegation centers on the government’s refusal to allow a substantive debate on the Indian electoral system, an issue that the opposition considers critical for democratic health.
The Allegation: Blocking Scrutiny on Electoral System
Gogoi's primary claim, made on December 1, 2025, is that the BJP-led government is actively preventing any meaningful discussion on electoral reforms and loopholes.
- Opposition Demand: During a meeting of floor leaders, every opposition party demanded that a debate on the Indian electoral system be included in the parliamentary agenda for the ongoing session.
- Government Refusal: Gogoi stated that the ruling party "simply refused" to schedule the discussion.
- Core Complaint: By setting the parliamentary agenda without opposition priorities, Gogoi argues that the Prime Minister is unwilling to be held accountable, effectively turning the legislative body into a platform that only reflects the ruling party’s interests.
Long-Standing Concerns Over Electoral Reforms
Gogoi emphasized that concerns regarding the electoral process are not new. To reinforce his point, he shared a 2021 Rajya Sabha video clip featuring former MP Rajeev Gowda, who had succinctly outlined various loopholes in the current system.
The Congress leader stressed that "the entire country wants to hear a debate on Indian elections," suggesting that the BJP's reluctance to engage in this topic signals an attempt to avoid scrutiny and accountability on issues vital to democratic transparency.
The Political Context: Parliament’s Role
The controversy highlights a perennial tension in parliamentary democracy: the balance between the government's legislative agenda and the opposition's right to raise issues of national importance.
Gogoi's "hijacking" metaphor is a strong term used to suggest that the government is utilizing its majority to suppress democratic discussion, turning Parliament's function away from its role as a forum for diverse public concerns.