Citizens for Democracy recently hosted a comprehensive mock Parliament in New Delhi, providing a significant forum for young participants to immerse themselves in India's democratic processes and institutional dynamics. The event, held at the NDMC Convention Centre, was organised under the evocative campaign title 'Rajatta Hatau Desh Bachao,' which translates to a call to 'Remove Anarchy, Save the Nation.' Its stated primary objective was to facilitate an engaging and in-depth discussion on the fundamental principles of democracy, the intricate facets of governance, and the practical operational aspects of democratic institutions within the country. This initiative aimed to cultivate a deeper understanding among participants about how the nation's political system functions.

The proceedings were meticulously designed to replicate the authentic atmosphere and procedural rigour of a genuine parliamentary debate. Participants, predominantly young individuals, adopted the personas of notable political leaders, carefully portraying figures from both the ruling party and the Opposition benches. In these assumed roles, they engaged in lively and structured discussions concerning contemporary political developments. They meticulously enacted the various stages and protocols characteristic of formal parliamentary proceedings, including the presentation of arguments, the raising of pertinent questions, and the articulation of responses to counterpoints. This simulation offered a hands-on experience, mirroring the dynamic interplay and robust exchange of ideas typically observed in actual legislative chambers.

A central and thought-provoking theme of the mock Parliament was 'Democracy vs Anarchy,' a topic specifically chosen to stimulate profound reflection and critical dialogue among the attendees. The platform was conceived as an arena for the exchange of diverse ideas and perspectives, empowering participants to articulate their viewpoints on pressing national issues and pose critical questions fundamental to India's democratic framework. Organisers expressed an intent to provide an environment where future leaders could gain practical insight into the complex mechanisms of national debate, policy formulation, and decision-making, thereby strengthening their civic engagement. The discussions aimed to cover a broad spectrum of important issues concerning the country's democratic health and future trajectory.

However, the event did not proceed without drawing significant political commentary and criticism. The Congress party voiced strong objections, publicly characterising the gathering as a "BJP mock Parliament." A party representative stated that the proceedings constituted a "cruel joke on democracy," suggesting a perceived partisan bias or an inappropriate use of the parliamentary simulation format. This criticism underscored existing political tensions and highlighted differing interpretations of such civic engagement initiatives. The opposition's remarks indicated a view that the mock parliament, despite its stated aims of fostering democratic discussion, carried an underlying political agenda, thereby potentially undermining the spirit of impartial and neutral democratic discourse. The precise nature of the "BJP" attribution by Congress was not further elaborated in the sources, but their strong condemnation reflected a clear political stance against the event as they perceived it.