Parliament has been criticized for its declining decorum and use of inappropriate language, with members dubbing it a “Banana Parliament.” Mary Chapman, a former long-serving secretary-general of Parliament, expressed her disappointment regarding the situation.
Chapman highlighted need for better conduct, pointing to recent exchanges in which a Cabinet Minister accused an Opposition MP of being a “murderer,” to which the MP responded by labeling the minister a “chor,” meaning thief. She remarked that such behavior was unheard of during her tenure, where the Speaker would intervene promptly to maintain order.
During the heated discussions, one member, Mr. Kumar, stated that the accusations were not novel and suggested he could share further damning remarks about his opponent if the behavior persisted.
Chapman lamented the change in atmosphere, stating, “It’s not like a Parliament anymore. It’s just like a Banana Parliament. People are calling each other murderers and liars. All these are unbecoming.” She emphasized that Parliament should be taken seriously as representatives make decisions that affect all citizens, warning that if the current trend continues, the institution risks losing its dignity. “Somebody has to put their foot down unless you want this to be a real Banana Parliament,” she concluded.