Five times Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA in a row and Himachal Pradesh Assembly Speaker Dr Rajeev Bindal (in photo) is better known as a ‘go-getter’ in politics and administration.

A consistent winner since 2000, Dr Bindal, 63, has won thrice in the Solan Assembly segment and twice in the Nahan constituency in Sirmaur district, where he had to switch in 2012 after Solan was reserved in delimitation exercise.

A practising Ayurveda doctor earlier, Dr Bindal turned out to be a ‘tireless performer’ as health minister in BJP government from 2007-2012.

He is all prepared to display the same spirit of perfection on the prestigious chair as the first budget session of the 13 Legislative Assembly of Himachal began on Tuesday.

“I think my party must have considered my seniority and performance at the time of my selection as HP Assembly Speaker. It is an honour given to me by the party high command.

The Prime Minister of India personally called me and expected from me that my seniority should contribute in a manner to strengthen the democracy and institution of Vidhayika,” he told The Statesman in an interview.

When asked about his reaction to his elevation as Speaker and not minister, this time, Dr Bindal was guarded in reply.

“Dr Bindal is a person who has always followed the direction of the party high command. Whatever duty has been assigned to me so far, I have done it with best efforts.”

He said as for as his duties are concerned, he feels that his 18 years of presence in Himachal Assembly will give him enormous help in running the Vidhan Sabha.

“I wish to start some new things, which will take some time,” he said.
He shared that his keen interest is that Vidhayika may be helped in a qualitative way by ensuring complete participation of MLAs in discussions, predominantly, when Bills are passed.

“I want that the level of discussions, oration and questions should come upto the mark so that the contribution of MLAs increases. This is the real challenge, because it requires facilities, as well interest of MLAs,” the Speaker said.

On his own pro-active approach in the House in his previous four terms and the feeling now when he is sitting on the Chair, Dr Bindal said, “No question of thinking where I am sitting. I will have to perform the duty assigned to me. I live in the present with experience in the past at the back.”

Dr Bindal said he expects to set new standards, where MLAs should get references prior to their speech on issues to be laid down in the Assembly so that their content is rich.

“I am trying to create a reference section in the Himachal Assembly on the analogy of Parliament, where the members can go and demand references on a particular issue,” the Speaker said. Dr Bindal tried to address the query on repeated disruptions in the House by opposition party, previously by BJP, subtly.

“Assembly is a place where the government can send a message on its performance to public at large, and the opposition party can expose and advise the government on different issues. My suggestion is that discussions should take place in the House to send the message to public clearly through Assembly,” the Speaker said.