Quoting Abraham Lincoln’s famous definition of democracy as a government “of the people, by the people and for the people,” Vijay said legislative institutions must remain rooted in democratic principles and public welfare.
Image Source: X
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay on Tuesday invoked the history of the British parliamentary system and quoted Abraham Lincoln in the Assembly as he pitched for protecting democratic traditions, legislative dignity, and equal representation during the election of the new Speaker.
Addressing the House after TVK MLA JCD Prabhakar was elected unopposed as Speaker of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly, Vijay referred to the evolution of the British parliamentary system and the risks once faced by Speakers while conveying Parliament’s decisions to monarchs.
Advertisement
“The Speaker had the responsibility of informing the King whenever Parliament rejected his proposals. In those days, kings even had the power to order executions, and Speakers sometimes faced severe punishment for conveying Parliament’s stand,” Vijay said in the Assembly.
Advertisement
The Chief Minister also highlighted the long-standing parliamentary tradition in which newly elected Speakers symbolically hesitate to occupy the chair and are escorted to their seats by leaders from both the treasury and opposition benches.
“That tradition continues even today as a symbol of democratic values,” he remarked.
Quoting Abraham Lincoln’s famous definition of democracy as a government “of the people, by the people and for the people,” Vijay said legislative institutions must remain rooted in democratic principles and public welfare.
He assured full cooperation from all Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) legislators to the Speaker and emphasised that even parties with a single member should be given equal importance in the functioning of the House.
“Every member in the Assembly is equal. Legislative traditions and democratic values must be protected,” Vijay said, adding that governance should focus on extending welfare measures and benefits to the maximum number of people.
Earlier in the day, TVK MLA JCD Prabhakar was elected Speaker of the Assembly without a contest, while party legislator M. Ravi Shankar was elected unopposed as Deputy Speaker.
Advertisement
