Amit Shah Inaugurates All India Speakers’ Conference, Calls for Healthy Debate in Legislatures
The conference brings together Speakers, Deputy Speakers, and Chairpersons from across the country for discussions aimed at strengthening legislative traditions and democratic practices.
New Delhi, August 25: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah on Sunday inaugurated the two-day All India Speakers’ Conference at the Delhi Legislative Assembly, commemorating the centenary of freedom fighter Vitthalbhai Patel’s election as the first Indian President of the Central Legislative Assembly.
The event was attended by Delhi Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, Delhi Lieutenant Governor Vinay Kumar Saxena, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, and presiding officers of state legislatures across the country. An exhibition on the life and contributions of Vitthalbhai Patel was also inaugurated at the Delhi Assembly premises.
Addressing the gathering, Shah said Vitthalbhai Patel laid the foundation for India’s democratic traditions by establishing the framework for running the country on Indian values. “If anyone built the framework for running the country in a democratic way based on Indian ideas, it was undoubtedly Vitthalbhai Patel. He established numerous traditions that continue to guide legislative work and the duties of the Speaker like a radiant beacon,” he said.
The Home Minister stressed that brainstorming (vichar manthan) remains the best way to resolve public issues in a democracy. He cautioned that disrupting the functioning of Parliament and Assemblies for political interests cannot be called debate. “When discussions in the House are stalled, the legislature’s role in national development is greatly diminished,” Shah remarked, urging both the ruling and opposition parties to ensure that debates take place in a healthy, rule-bound manner.
Shah underlined that the dignity of the Speaker’s chair must remain above partisan considerations. “Though elected from a political party, the Speaker assumes the role of an impartial umpire. Impartiality and justice are the two pillars on which the Speaker’s dignity rests,” he noted.
Highlighting India’s democratic resilience, Shah said the country has witnessed multiple peaceful transfers of power since independence without bloodshed, owing to a robust legislative process. “Democracy flourishes only when legislatures follow the basic mantra of prudence, deliberation and legislation. Without meaningful debates, Parliament and Assemblies will merely become lifeless buildings,” he warned.
The Home Minister also proposed that speeches by eminent freedom fighters and leaders delivered in the Central Legislative Assembly be compiled and made available in the libraries of all legislative assemblies to inspire today’s legislators and youth. He further urged that similar exhibitions on Vitthalbhai Patel and the freedom struggle be organized across state assemblies.
“Legislative assemblies must serve as impartial platforms for the people’s voice, ensuring that every law originates from the trust of the people and progresses toward their welfare. When wisdom, ideas, and legislation are respected, legislatures rise above narrow interests to uphold the national interest,” Shah said.
The conference brings together Speakers, Deputy Speakers, and Chairpersons from across the country for discussions aimed at strengthening legislative traditions and democratic practices.
