That diktat would have been deemed decidedly unparliamentary in those long-lamented times when “parliamentary” equated with the epitome of dignified conduct. Yet this directive from the Chairman, Mr M Venkaiah Naidu, could well be a contemporary version of carrot-and-stick in the “Red Book” of the Rajya Sabha: the Rules of Procedure.
So irritated is he with the sustained misbehaviour in the Elders that in the continuance of his policy of quick, lengthy adjournments rather than permitting lengthy periods of disgraceful disruptions, he cancelled a dinner he had planned to host for members.
The Prime Minister had been “sounded”, invitation cards printed, and the specialist chefs he had summoned from Andhra Pradesh had finalised their railway reservations.
Alas, the absence of signs of an end to the logjam persuaded the no-nonsense Chairman to roll back the red carpet. And if precedent is anything to go by, the House missed out on a feast ~ few can forget the lavish spread that used to be offered by another Andhra stalwart, S Jaipal Reddy whose repartee was as “spicy” as Hyderabadi biryani. Well, maybe the present members, quite a few of whom would be preparing their farewell-speeches, have to pay for their sins.
While Mr Venkaiah Naidu would appear perfectly justified in scrapping the festivity, his critics would wonder if he has not invited flak for creating an impression that he is siding with the government in taking a “muscular” line.
As ugly as the scenes in both Houses has been the absence of any governmental move towards reconciliation. Yet the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, the Vice-President of India to boot, would have done well to use the delicacies on his table to lower the political temperatures, act as a bridge between entities now that he has been elevated.
This was a role played by many of his predecessors: for unlike the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha has other national duties to perform. So the question arises is whether Mr Venkaiah Naidu lost out on an opportunity to apply the healing touch, particularly since the Elders are not directly involved in the Lok Sabha disputes that have paralysed both Houses. It used to be said that while the Lok Sabha burned its lips on a hot cup of tea, the Rajya Sabha sipped the cup after it cooled down a little. Maybe that parallel is not particularly appropriate in the present context ~ traditional Andhra cuisine would probably add to the mirch masala.
Remember that before formally joining the BJP Mr Naidu had assured himself that party membership imposed no dietary restrictions. As Chairman/Vice-President he could eat his cake and have it too ~ and there is nothing to prevent peace being brokered over a chilly-laced gourmet dinner.