'Parliament forum for debate, restricting it undercuts democracy'

Former Union cabinet minister Kumari Selja, a fifth-term Lok Sabha MP, is a Congress' veteran leader with a firm grassroots connect. Educated at the Convent of Jesus and Mary, New Delhi, Selja, 62, was first elected to the Lok Sabha in 1991. As the 18th Lok Sabha completes its first year, here's a look at Selja’s performance in the lower House of Parliament and her plans for the constituency.

- Pawan Sharma

How do you look at your experience in the first year of the 18th Lok Sabha?

My experience has been defined by a profound sense of constitutional responsibility and sobering clarity about the challenges confronting our parliamentary democracy. As a member of the Opposition and custodian of the people's mandate, my foremost duty is to uphold accountability, ensure scrutiny of governance and raise issues of critical public interest—particularly those concerning unemployment, inflation, agrarian distress, etc. Regrettably, the government has repeatedly displayed an aversion to debate, transparency and constructive dissent. Despite these challenges, I have utilised every available platform to voice the concerns of the marginalised.

What was the high point of the year for you personally or your party in the House?