Delhi Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta, while addressing the 11th Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) India Region Conference on Friday, said that just as water nourishes a tree to grow and bear fruit, constructive legislative debates strengthen democracy and enable it to fulfill people’s aspirations.
The Speaker emphasized that people’s representatives carry immense responsibility both inside and outside legislatures. He said that the supreme institutions of democracy must serve as forums of serious and in-depth dialogue, where debates guide policy formulation and provide solutions to the people’s problems.
Gupta noted that the true success of democracy is not measured merely by elections, which are only the first step, but by the quality of deliberations that take place in the House afterward. Legislatures, he stressed, are not arenas of power but platforms where diverse ideas converge for the larger public good.
He reiterated that democracy’s true success depends on how effectively people’s concerns are discussed, respected, and addressed through meaningful dialogue in legislatures.
Underscoring the importance of order, Gupta said that true debate is possible only when every view is heard attentively. Walkouts, disruptions, and noise, he cautioned, waste the House’s time, deprive constituents of representation, and lower the dignity of the institution.
Calling such practices a misconception, he remarked, “The finest speakers are those who present their speeches calmly, with dignity, and supported by reasoning. When such speeches are delivered, the entire House listens with attention, irrespective of party lines.”
Highlighting practices in the Delhi Assembly, Gupta said ample opportunities are provided for both treasury and opposition benches. Question Hour, Special Mentions under Rule 280, and short-duration discussions are effectively used, with Bills being thoroughly debated.
He cited the example of an important education Bill that was discussed for over five hours, continuing late into the night, reflecting the seriousness given to legislative deliberations.
Gupta stressed that maintaining discipline and decorum in the House is a collective responsibility. Constructive and dignified dialogue, he said, ensures accountability of the executive and strengthens public trust.
The Speaker reminded members that their contribution is reflected in the quality of debates and arguments they put forward. He also urged political parties to maintain cordial dialogue outside the House, noting that hostility beyond the Assembly often casts a shadow within, adversely affecting deliberations.