“One myth about Members of Parliament is that they fight all the time, no they don’t. Once one enters the place, it is the diversity that hits you. You can hear numerous languages. People from all corners of the country are present there and it is chaotic but diverse,†said noted author Meghnad S during an interactive session organised by VidLitFest on Saturday at Chitnavis Centre. He was talking about his recently released book, ‘Parliamental’.
He also added that even common people know very less about the proceedings. They only understand things when they appear in the newspaper the next day. In that case, it is advised to watch Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha TV understand how the things work.
“I have worked closely with the MPs. The Parliament proceedings are very random and even the MPs don’t know what exactly they are doing,†added Meghnad.
The protagonist of the political satire, Parliamental is from Nagpur.
“The book begins with the win in the elections. It deals with what happens when a person from Nagpur elected to be in the House experiences his first time,†he said.
The MPs, especially the newly elected ones, don’t understand most of the part, but they are curious about the person sitting next to them. Every MP carries stories from the place he belongs to, and that is how other MPs use these stories in their speeches. It is like college. You spend time and learn new things, Meghnad adds further.
Citing the funny incidents, he said that politicians are in a habit of putting a performance all the time. The news shows politicians visiting the House coming dressed in a weird manner. This is done to seek attention. If that is how they get attention and get things done for their voters, there is nothing wrong, adds Meghnad humorously.
He also informed the audience about the anti-defection law.
Speaking about the MPs again, Meghnad expressed that they have a right to ask questions in the house which they seldom do and most of them let go off this chance to question what is wrong.
“It is as citizens our job to instigate the elected representatives to put forth certain issues in the Parliament. One just has to walk into the office of the representative and tell him what they need to ask. If not one can easily get the form on the internet anyone can download it, fill it and ask the rep to sign it, this saves their time and the tedious process for them since there are a number of things on their platter,†opined Meghnad.
Speaking about his semi-fiction Parliamental, Meghnad expressed he wished to write something which not just entertained people but also educated them. The book is a mirror of real-life experiences Meghnad has had.
Hailing from Nagpur, Meghnad was more drawn towards writing on the policies since writing on people is offensive.
The interactive session was conducted by Sukhada Chaudhary, introductory remarks were made by Pawan Sarda.
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