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9 Feb 2026·Source: The Hindu
4 min
Polity & GovernanceEDITORIAL

Parliamentary Accountability Eroded: PM Skips Reply, Citing Vague Security Concerns

PM's absence from Parliament undermines democratic accountability, raising questions about executive transparency.

Editorial Analysis

The Prime Minister's decision to skip the reply in Lok Sabha and the disallowing of the Leader of Opposition from citing relevant material are serious blows to parliamentary norms and democratic accountability.

Main Arguments:

  1. The Prime Minister's absence from the reply session undermines the principle of executive accountability to Parliament.
  2. Disallowing the Leader of Opposition from citing excerpts from a book by a former Army Chief restricts freedom of speech and debate in the House.
  3. Citing vague security concerns as the reason for the PM's absence raises more questions than it answers.
  4. These actions set a disturbing precedent for eroding democratic norms and parliamentary conventions.

Counter Arguments:

  1. The Speaker cited security concerns as a valid reason for requesting the PM not to attend the House.

Conclusion

By skipping the reply, PM Narendra Modi proved his critics right, highlighting a tendency to evade critical decision-making and avoid accountability.

Policy Implications

The incident raises concerns about the weakening of parliamentary oversight and the potential for the executive to bypass scrutiny on important matters of national security and policy.

The Lok Sabha adopted the motion of thanks to the President's address without the Prime Minister's reply, an unusual departure from parliamentary convention. Speaker Om Birla cited security concerns, suggesting potential harm to the PM by Opposition MPs, as the reason. Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition, was disallowed from citing excerpts from a book by General M.M.

Naravane. Both actions undermine parliamentary norms and democratic accountability. The debate and reply mechanism holds the executive accountable to Parliament.

Congress MP K.C. Venugopal pointed out that parliamentary rules require the PM's reply to conclude the debate on the motion of thanks. The portions cited by Gandhi outside the House point to the political executive evading critical decision-making and accountability.

By skipping the reply, PM Narendra Modi proved his critics right.

Key Facts

1.

The Lok Sabha adopted the motion of thanks to the President's address without the Prime Minister's reply.

2.

Speaker Om Birla cited security concerns as the reason for the PM not replying.

3.

Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition, was disallowed from citing excerpts from a book by General M.M. Naravane.

4.

Parliamentary rules require that a debate on the motion of thanks must conclude with the PM’s reply.

UPSC Exam Angles

1.

GS Paper 2: Parliament and State Legislatures - structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these.

2.

Connects to the syllabus by highlighting the importance of parliamentary procedures and conventions in maintaining democratic accountability.

3.

Potential question types include statement-based questions on parliamentary procedures, and analytical questions on the role of the Speaker and the Leader of the Opposition.

Visual Insights

Key Events in Parliament

Highlights the unusual departure from parliamentary convention where the Prime Minister skipped the reply to the Motion of Thanks, and the disallowing of the Leader of Opposition from citing excerpts from a book.

PM Skipped Reply
Unusual Departure

Undermines parliamentary norms and democratic accountability.

Rahul Gandhi Disallowed
Book Excerpts

Raises concerns about parliamentary freedom.

More Information

Background

The Motion of Thanks is a formal expression of gratitude by the Parliament to the President for the address delivered at the commencement of the first session after each general election and at the beginning of the first session of each year. This address outlines the government's policies and achievements. The tradition is borrowed from the British parliamentary system. The parliamentary conventions surrounding the Motion of Thanks are significant. It provides an opportunity for Members of Parliament (MPs) to discuss and scrutinize the government's agenda. Amendments can be proposed to the Motion, allowing MPs to express dissent or suggest modifications to the government's policies. The Prime Minister's reply is a crucial part of this process, offering the government's response to the points raised during the debate. The Lok Sabha Speaker plays a vital role in maintaining order and decorum in the House. The Speaker's decisions regarding the admissibility of amendments, the allocation of time for debate, and the conduct of proceedings are final. The Speaker also has the power to disallow certain remarks or actions that are deemed unparliamentary or disruptive. The Speaker's actions are subject to scrutiny and debate, but their authority within the House is considerable.

Latest Developments

Recent instances of disruptions and procedural deviations in Parliament have raised concerns about the erosion of parliamentary accountability. The frequent use of disruptions as a political tactic has hampered the functioning of the House and reduced the time available for legislative business and debate. This trend has been criticized by both the ruling party and the opposition. The role of the Leader of the Opposition is crucial in holding the government accountable. The Leader of the Opposition is recognized as a key figure in the parliamentary system and is entitled to certain privileges and responsibilities. Disallowing the Leader of the Opposition from citing relevant information or expressing their views can undermine their ability to effectively perform their role. Looking ahead, there is a need for greater adherence to parliamentary rules and conventions to ensure the smooth functioning of the House and the effective scrutiny of government actions. Strengthening the role of parliamentary committees and promoting constructive dialogue between the government and the opposition can help to improve parliamentary accountability and enhance the quality of legislative decision-making.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the 'Motion of Thanks' and why is it important for the UPSC exam?

The Motion of Thanks is a formal way for Parliament to thank the President for their address, which outlines the government's policies and achievements. It's important for UPSC because it tests your understanding of parliamentary procedures and executive accountability.

Exam Tip

Remember that the Motion of Thanks is a key parliamentary procedure often used to assess the government's performance.

2. Why is the Prime Minister's reply to the Motion of Thanks considered important in parliamentary procedure?

The Prime Minister's reply is crucial because it allows the government to address criticisms raised during the debate on the President's address. It's a key mechanism for ensuring executive accountability to the legislature.

3. What are the key facts surrounding the recent controversy where the Prime Minister did not reply to the Motion of Thanks?

The Lok Sabha adopted the Motion of Thanks without the Prime Minister's reply. Speaker Om Birla cited security concerns as the reason. Rahul Gandhi was disallowed from citing excerpts from a book. Parliamentary rules require the PM’s reply to conclude the debate.

4. What 'security concerns' were cited for the Prime Minister not replying to the Motion of Thanks, and what are the implications?

Speaker Om Birla cited security concerns, suggesting potential harm to the PM by Opposition MPs. This raises questions about the functioning of Parliament and the government's willingness to engage in debate.

5. How does disallowing Rahul Gandhi from citing excerpts from General Naravane's book impact parliamentary debate?

Disallowing a member from presenting relevant information, even from a published book, restricts the scope of debate and potentially suppresses critical perspectives.

6. In the context of this news, what is 'parliamentary accountability' and why is it important for a democratic nation?

Parliamentary accountability refers to the executive's responsibility to be transparent and answerable to the legislature. It is vital for a democracy to ensure that the government is held in check and acts in the best interests of the people.

7. What are the potential consequences of the Prime Minister skipping the reply to the Motion of Thanks, especially concerning public perception?

It can be perceived as a lack of respect for parliamentary procedures and a reluctance to engage with the opposition. This can erode public trust in the government and the democratic process.

8. How might the recent events impact the separation of powers between the executive and the legislature?

The separation of powers is affected when the executive branch appears to avoid accountability to the legislature. This can lead to an imbalance of power and weaken the checks and balances essential for a healthy democracy.

9. What is the date when the Lok Sabha adopted the motion of thanks without the Prime Minister's reply?

The Lok Sabha adopted the motion of thanks without the Prime Minister's reply on February 5, 2026.

10. Why is the erosion of parliamentary accountability a cause for concern?

Erosion of parliamentary accountability can lead to reduced transparency, less scrutiny of government actions, and a weakening of democratic principles. This can result in policies that do not reflect the needs and desires of the citizens.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding the Motion of Thanks in the Indian Parliament: 1. It is a mandatory procedure following the President's address at the commencement of the first session after each general election. 2. Amendments to the Motion of Thanks can be moved to express dissent against the government's policies. 3. The Prime Minister's reply to the debate on the Motion of Thanks is optional and at the discretion of the Speaker. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  • A.1 and 2 only
  • B.2 and 3 only
  • C.1 and 3 only
  • D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer

Answer: A

Statement 1 is CORRECT: The Motion of Thanks is indeed a mandatory procedure following the President's address at the commencement of the first session after each general election and at the beginning of the first session of each year. Statement 2 is CORRECT: Amendments to the Motion of Thanks can be moved to express dissent against the government's policies, providing an opportunity for the opposition to voice their concerns. Statement 3 is INCORRECT: The Prime Minister's reply is NOT optional. Parliamentary rules require the PM's reply to conclude the debate on the motion of thanks.

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