'Give Us Same Time': How Did Women MPs Voice For Equality In Parliament

While the parliamentary rhetoric reverberates with commitments to the Women's Reservation Bill, the lived experiences within its walls tell a different story—one marred by stifled voices and lingering gender disparity. On December 19, 2023, the Indian Parliament descended into chaos as 141 Members of Parliament faced suspension, triggering a vigorous debate on democracy, governance, and parliamentary decorum. Notably, two influential female MPs, Jaya Bachchan and Jaskaur Meena, have brought attention to issues extending beyond legislative debates. Amidst the unfolding winter session, concerns regarding the conditions of washrooms and gender disparity in the Lok Sabha have taken centre stage, casting a shadow over the ongoing parliamentary proceedings. 

Bachchan, expressing her discontent, declared, "Hamara washroom itna bhayanak hai (our washrooms are terrible)," as she exited the Rajya Sabha. Her protest was geared at the suspensions, and she accused Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar of stifling her voice. The suspension of 141 Opposition MPs, an unprecedented move taken in response to a ruckus over Union Minister Amit Shah's demand for a statement on the Parliament security breach event, has sparked a heated discussion on the fundamental foundation of the principles of democracy.

Parliament Turmoil and the Washroom Predicament

The winter session unfolds with an air of commitment to the Women's Reservation Bill. Speeches and debates ring with the promise of breaking down gender barriers within the political landscape. The passion for equal representation and opportunities for women in politics appears fervent, yet as events unfold, the underlying dissonance comes to the fore.

However, the suspension of 141 Opposition MPs, a drastic measure following the demand for a statement on the Parliament security breach incident, throws a shadow over the lofty promises. Jaya Bachchan, a prominent female MP, emerges as a poignant voice not only against the suspensions but also in shedding light on a more fundamental yet overlooked issue—the deplorable conditions of women's washrooms.

As the suspensions unfolded, Jaya Bachchan expressed frustration over the inability to address the house. "We have been trying to speak since morning. The Leader of the House has said that we will see how much patience you have. The House proceedings will go on till 11 pm tonight. They take water and loo breaks every five minutes. Even our washrooms are terrible," she shared with NDTV.

The washroom conditions, a seemingly mundane issue, become a symbol of the broader challenges faced by female MPs within the parliamentary infrastructure.

The actress-turned-politician also criticized the government's approach to passing bills without proper discussion. "They are using unfair and unjust measures. If you wanted to pass the bill, do it just like that. What's the point of doing 'ayes and noes? Why this drama?" she questioned.

The trigger for the latest suspensions was the Opposition's demand for a statement from Home Minister Amit Shah regarding the December 13 security breach in Lok Sabha. The ensuing chaos saw slogans, disruptions, and repeated adjournments.

Terming the actions as a "murder of democracy," the Opposition accused the government of seeking an "Opposition-less" Parliament to push through legislation without debate. Trinamool Congress' Dola Sen and Shiv Sena's Priyanka Chaturvedi, the only unsuspended women MPs in Rajya Sabha, joined Jaya Bachchan in expressing their discontent.

A Call for Equality in Speaking Opportunities

In another corner of the parliament, Dausa BJP MP Jaskaur Meena also steps into the spotlight, emphasising the glaring gender disparity within the Lok Sabha. Expressing frustration at being consistently relegated to the end of the speaking order, Meena points an accusatory finger at the Speaker's Chair, demanding adequate time for women to deliver elaborate speeches. 

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"We have been sitting here since morning, even then we are called at the end to speak. Can't we give elaborate speeches like Satya Pal Singh and Ravi Shankar Prasad? But you will have to give us adequate time," noted Meena. 

Meena takes her stance beyond frustration, urging a restructuring of speaking slots, advocating for earlier positions like number 2 or 3 instead of the customary number 15. Meena emphasises the preparation undertaken by women members, stating, "We have prepared for the past three days," highlighting the commitment and readiness of women MPs to contribute meaningfully to parliamentary discussions. This highlights a fundamental injustice—women, despite their preparedness, are relegated to the periphery, and denied equal opportunities to contribute substantively to the parliamentary discourse.

Accountability and Ego Clash

Priyanka Chaturvedi highlighted the apparent priorities of the government, stating, "The chairman said he was hurt that someone mocked him while sitting on the Parliament stairs. We are also hurt that someone attacked the temple of democracy. Someone needs to fix the accountability, and the Home Minister is the one who could do that. But we are hurt that he is prioritizing his ego over the Parliament."

The suspension of protesting parliamentarians and the passing of bills without discussion fueled the opposition's anguish. "They created a new history in the new Parliament by suspending a record-breaking number of MPs. We hope that the Chairman would pay attention to our pain too, which is why we walked out," added Chaturvedi.

Expressing their discontent, suspended leaders staged a protest on the stairs of the Parliament building. Trinamool Congress leader Kalyan Banerjee broke into an impromptu skit mocking Vice President Dhankhar, drawing sharp reactions from the BJP. The Rajya Sabha chairman deemed the opposition actions as "shameful" and an "insult" to his background as a farmer and his "position as a Jat."

As the winter session unfolds, the gap between lofty promises and the harsh realities faced by female MPs becomes increasingly apparent. The ongoing battle for authentic representation of women in parliament stands in stark contrast to the fervour surrounding the Women's Reservation Bill. This contrast serves as a poignant reminder that the impassioned zeal must cease to be mere rhetoric and instead materialise into potent, transformative actions within the revered halls of Indian democracy.