Accept Notices, Avoid Censorship: TMC’s Derek O’Brien Offers Suggestions to New VP

Fast Summary

• CP Radhakrishnan elected Vice-President: He became the 15th Vice-President of india on September 9, 2025, with 452 votes against Opposition nominee B. Sudershan Reddy’s 300 votes.
• Suggestions by Derek O’Brien: TMC MP Derek O’brien proposed eight recommendations for Mr. Radhakrishnan in his new role as Chairperson of rajya Sabha.

– Increased acceptance of Opposition notices for discussions and reduced censorship under Rule 267.
– Addressed falling scrutiny rates for bills (e.g., only two out of ten being referred to committees in the current Lok Sabha).
– Protest visuals inside Parliament should not be censored on Sansad TV.
– MPs with considerable experience should chair parliamentary sessions; consultation with their political parties is suggested.

• Concerns about suspensions: He highlighted mass suspensions of MPs-146 were suspended in December 2023, compared to just 50 during UPA years (2004-2014).
• Legislative scrutiny: Parliamentary committees are vital to improving legislative quality; he cited decreasing numbers sent for scrutiny across lok Sabha terms since UPA I and II.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The election of CP radhakrishnan comes at a juncture where debates over parliamentary functioning have intensified. TMC MP Derek O’Brien’s suggestions highlight broader concerns regarding diminishing legislative scrutiny and the ability of opposition parties to meaningfully engage within democratic institutions.

With declining referrals of bills to committees and challenges raised about censorship during parliamentary proceedings, fostering transparency could emerge as a notable priority for India’s democracy.The comparative drop in Notices admitted under Rule 267-from thriving accountability mechanisms between earlier government periods-indicates institutional shifts that merit examination.

In terms of suspensions, larger patterns may suggest pressing issues around decorum versus dissent management-a trend critical for ensuring robust debate without undermining basic democratic rights. Upholding neutral parliamentary oversight can strengthen trust among diverse stakeholders,while promoting greater checks-and-balances ensures improved governance outcomes over time.

Read more: [source link]