Should the opposition always criticize the government?

Opposition is an important and integral part of democracy, which is a government of the people, by the people and for the people.

We have two main national political parties in the country; both have a country-wide presence down to the grassroots level.

But, every day we either read, or see that the opposition only criticizes the government, without any constructive suggestion or views. Being in the opposition does not just mean to always oppose the government in every action or every policy decision it takes. This only reduces the growth and development of the country.

While the main role of the Opposition is to question the government and hold them accountable to the public, it shares equal responsibility with the government to act in the best interests of the citizens.

The Opposition should participate in all policies, programsand matters of national interest in a constructive manner. If they do not agree with the government projects on merit, they should come out with constructive initiation and undertake parallel projects. The idea is not to work only when in power. They can do CSR projects and get enough funding to work, as long as they have the desire to work.

For example, if the opposition does not agree with Ayushman Bharat scheme, they should come out with a scheme, which is better than Ayushman Bharat.

And, instead of only criticizing the government on construction of toilets as part of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan to make the country open defecation free (ODF), the opposition can adopt villages and construct better toilets there for people to use, as a scheme that is more successful than the ODF scheme of the government.

A large percentage of the population still defecates in the open, although this number is coming down. Elimination of open defecation is a hugely ambitious goal, yet an admirable one. Change in public behavior could go a long way in making this program a success. If the opposition cannot come out with a better scheme, they should participate wholeheartedly in this mission and join hands with the government to make it a success.Being ODF means being free of many infectious diseases.They can help in bringing about a behavioral change by educating the public about the benefits of sanitation and waste management.

This holds true for politics everywhere. A strong and vigilant opposition, which is constructive in its approach to all matters of national interest, has a lot to contribute to national development.

“The opposition is indispensable. A good statesman, like any other sensible human being, always learns more from his opposition than from his fervent supporters”said, Walter Lippmann, an American writer and political commentator.

Dr KK Aggarwal

Padma Shri Awardee

President Elect Confederation of Medical Associations in Asia and Oceania   (CMAAO)

Group Editor-in-Chief IJCP Publications

President Heart Care Foundation of India

Immediate Past National President IMA