Union Home Minister Amit Shah said democracy flourishes only when legislatures follow the basic mantra of prudence, deliberation and legislation. Inaugurating the two-day All India Speakers’ Conference at Delhi Assembly in Delhi on Sunday, Mr Shah said democracy can reach its highest and dignified heights only when people rise above partisan interests and place national interest first. He added that when discussions in the House are stalled, the role of the legislature in the nation’s development is greatly diminished. He remarked that without meaningful debate in the corridors of Parliament and Assemblies, they will become merely lifeless buildings.
Mr Shah said that in India, the Speaker is accorded the status of an institution. He highlighted that the most challenging role in the House is that of the Speaker, as they are elected from a political party but assume the role of an impartial umpire upon taking oath. The Home Minister mentioned that over the 75 years of Indian Constitution, Speakers across the country’s legislative assemblies and the Lok Sabha have consistently worked to enhance the dignity of the House. He emphasized that impartiality and justice are the two pillars on which the Speaker’s dignity rests.
Speaking on the occasion, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said it is a historic day as today marks the completion of 100 years of freedom fighter Vitthalbhai Patel becoming the first elected Indian President of the Central Legislative Assembly. She said his election was a moral victory for India.
Delhi Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, Delhi Lieutenant Governor Vinay Kumar Saxena along with several other dignitaries were present on the occasion. The conference is being attended by Speakers and Deputy Speakers of state and Union Territory Legislative Assemblies, as well as Chairpersons and Vice-Chairpersons of Legislative Councils.
On this occasion, Home Minister Amit Shah also visited an exhibition on the life of Vitthalbhai Patel at the Delhi Assembly premises. Visiting the exhibition, Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh said today is an important day in the history of India’s legislative culture, and citizens must uphold its values in the present times.