India's 'Missing' Legislature: A Two-Horse Democracy?

Congress MP Manish Tewari criticizes the Indian democratic setup, suggesting that the executive and judiciary dominate, sidelining the legislature. Highlighting reduced parliamentary working days and strict party whips, Tewari questions the efficacy of lawmakers. The Winter Session initiates with key financial legislation introducing a 'sin tax' to aid defense and health.

Congress MP Manish Tewari raised concerns on Monday about the current state of Indian democracy, accusing the executive and judiciary of overshadowing the legislature. In a candid article shared on social media platform X, Tewari questioned why India appears to be operating under a 'two-horse' democratic system, dominated by the executive and judiciary, while the legislature seems absent.

In his discussion, Tewari pointed to the reduced number of working days for the Lok Sabha, the influence of party whips, and the impact of the anti-defection law as detrimental to the legislative process. He noted a significant decline in parliamentary sessions, comparing the 17th Lok Sabha's approximately 55 annual meeting days to the over 135 days in the early years of Indian democracy.

Tewari's remarks were made as the 18th Lok Sabha and 269th Session of the Rajya Sabha began their Winter Session on December 1. Adding to the legislative agenda, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman introduced the Central Excise (Amendment) Bill, 2025, alongside a bill proposing new tax measures on pan masala and gutkha to boost defense and public health funding.

(With inputs from agencies.)