Parliaments are institutions with dual nature, serving both as pillars of democracy and as instruments of its subversion. They can empower the people or the powerful, depending on who holds the reins. The American Congress, for instance, showered Benjamin Netanyahu with applause and a standing ovation, making President Barack Obama appear powerless. Conversely, Russia's Duma was attacked by its then-president, Boris Yeltsin, who had the military on his side. Western capitals, claiming the right to dictate the people's will, supported this assault. The Speaker's role is pivotal in this dynamic, as illustrated by the Nazi regime's manipulation of Hermann Göring to enable Adolf Hitler's rise to power. Similarly, in India, the Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla faces opposition from the Congress party, which accuses him of suppressing their voice on critical issues. The BJP is also considering barring Rahul Gandhi from parliament and future elections, amidst accusations of a sell-out trade deal with the US. The ruling elite's involvement in the Jeffrey Epstein scandal further highlights the potential for corruption within parliaments. Parliaments can uphold democracy or undermine it, as seen in the impeachment of Richard Nixon and the survival of Bill Clinton and Donald Trump. India's parliament has a history of uncovering major scams, but the current climate raises concerns about the integrity of its processes. The Congress, once known for its principled parliamentarians like Feroze Gandhi, now faces challenges in maintaining its democratic values.
