CHANDIGARH, July 15 -- 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. 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. After an encouraging performance by the Congress in the Lok Sabha elections, leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi's key debates on unemployment, social justice and the government's failure to contain divisive forces powerfully echoed the concerns of the people. My party asked me to initiate the discussion on the first budget of the 18th Lok Sabha. I was able to draw the attention of the House to the poor state of the economy in the country as well as key issues confronting Haryana. The truncated sessions severely limit the time for discussing vital issues, examining legislative proposals thoroughly and conducting meaningful oversight of the executive through debates and questions. This reduction in sittings undermines the very essence of our parliamentary democracy and denies the elected representatives their rightful platform to represent the people's concerns. Restricting Parliament's functioning undermines the spirit of democracy. We need more, not fewer, opportunities for discussion and scrutiny. The most effective method remains persistent parliamentary interventions through questions, zero hour, starred and unstarred questions, calling attention motions, and debates. However, raising issues outside the House and building public opinion is also crucial when parliamentary tools are curtailed. Over the past year, my efforts were focused on addressing long-standing structural challenges and promoting development while giving voice to the people in Parliament and other platforms. I will continue to work for the welfare of the public. I have consistently raised key issues impacting the people of Sirsa through parliamentary platforms, ministerial and departmental meetings. My key priorities will be education, health, water, sanitation, agriculture, employment, roads, etc. NEXT: AMARINDER SINGH RAJA WARRING, CONG MP FROM LUDHIANA...