NEW DELHI, Jan. 1 -- In a democratically functioning government, the centrality of citizens is undisputed. The elected members of the parliament are the representatives of the people. The recent spate of suspensions handed over to the opposition MPs is equivalent to killing the citizens. In a constituency, an MP is elected by the voters. The MP is accountable to each elector since they are their voice and presence in the parliament. If one fails in the duty, the voters have the right to question them.

Peeking at the happenings in parliament in the last few years, especially during this winter session where alarmingly 146 MPs were suspended from the rest of the season, should send sirens blaring. These belonged to about 20 states, repres...