 |
| Congress MPs Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Manickam Tagore with suspended MPs Hibi Eden, Dean Kuriakose, Prashant Padole and others as they protest the India-US interim trade deal in Parliament. February 12, 2026. Photo: Salman Ali/PTI. |
New Delhi – A growing disconnect between the curated public engagements of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the fading tradition of parliamentary accountability has sparked intense debate in political circles. While the government frequently promotes the Prime Minister’s interactions under the banner of 'charcha' (discussion)—ranging from exam stress management to tea-time conversations—critics argue that these events mask a deepening silence within the country's highest legislative body.
A recent analysis by political commentator P. Raman highlights this paradox, describing the Prime Minister’s communication style as having perfected "the art of command without conversation." This observation comes against the backdrop of a significant break in parliamentary convention: for the first time since 2004, the Motion of Thanks on the President's Address was reportedly passed in the Lok Sabha without the customary reply from the Prime Minister.
Command Without Conversation
The term 'charcha' implies a two-way dialogue, an exchange of ideas. However, opposition leaders and political observers contend that the current administration has repurposed the word to describe unilateral addresses. Whether addressing students or the nation via radio, the mode of communication is overwhelmingly one-way.
This preference for controlled environments stands in stark contrast to the chaotic, yet constitutionally vital, floor of the Parliament. The recent legislative session has been marked by what critics call the "silencing of Parliament," where the executive's accountability to the legislature appears to be diminishing. The absence of a Prime Minister's reply to the Motion of Thanks—a key parliamentary tradition allowing the head of government to outline their vision and respond to criticism—serves as a potent symbol of this shift.
Opposition outcry
The Opposition has been quick to seize on this absence. Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi recently alleged that the Prime Minister avoided the House to escape uncomfortable questions, specifically citing revelations from a book by former Army Chief General M.M. Naravane. The implication is that curated charchas are safe havens, whereas Parliament remains the only space where the government can be challenged on record—provided the Prime Minister attends.
From Debate to Decree
The silencing of Parliament is not just about missed speeches; it reflects a structural change in how governance is communicated. When policy decisions are announced through televised addresses rather than debated in the House, Parliament is reduced to a procedural rubber stamp rather than a forum for deliberation.
As the government continues to amplify its charcha campaigns, the question remains: Can a democracy thrive on monologues, or does it require the often messy, uncomfortable, but essential noise of parliamentary debate? For now, the "command without conversation" model appears to be the dominant script of New Delhi.
