In his recent speech to the All India Speakers Conference, Union Home Minister Amit Shah emphasised the significance of preserving the honor and efficiency of legislative bodies. His comments came just three days after the Monsoon Session of Parliament concluded with significant disruptions and adjournments due to ongoing opposition protests.
Shah stated that while debate and discussion are fundamental to a democracy, it is detrimental when legislative houses are prevented from functioning for "narrow political gain." He underlined that the opposition should exercise restraint and refrain from persistently interfering with House business.
The minister called on the nation, its citizens, and its elected officials to give this matter careful thought. He pointed out that the institution's capacity to support nation-building suffers when there is little discussion in Parliament.
During his address, Shah called for all discussions to be meaningful and for everyone to work toward increasing the dignity and respect of the Speaker's position. He said that the platform for raising public issues must be impartial and that both the ruling party and the opposition should make their arguments fairly. He stressed the importance of ensuring that the Houses function strictly according to their established rules and regulations.
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Shah compared the situation to the shame faced by Droupadi from the Mahabharata in Hastinapur, to show that when a legislative body loses its respect, the country suffers serious problems.
The Home Minister also praised India's democratic traditions, saying the country has a strong democracy that has never had any violence during changes in power, which is different from many other countries. He also used the chance to honour Vitthalbhai Patel, who was the first elected Indian Speaker of the Central Legislative Assembly.
Shah mentioned that exactly 100 years before the conference, Vitthalbhai Patel, who was the brother of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, was given this position, which started India's history of having a legislative system.
Shah lamented that Vitthalbhai Patel's significant contributions have been largely overlooked over the years. He asserted that establishing and strengthening legislative procedures are just as crucial as the freedom struggle itself, and Vitthalbhai Patel played a vital role in this process during challenging times. He concluded by stating that everyone should remember and honor his legacy.
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