He mentioned that the historic decision of having an independent assembly department under the speaker by Patel during the British era is very important as the house serves as a medium for both the government and the Opposition to put forward the public’s voice and concerns in an unbiased manner.
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Union Home Minister Amit Shah said deliberation and discussion in the assemblies are the most effective means to address public issues in a democratic system and it must be ensured that the House functions as per the rules of the respective legislature.
Shah, while addressing the All India Speakers Conference 2025 held at the Delhi Vidhan Sabha on Sunday, said whenever an assembly lost its dignity in the country’s history, people had to face its consequences.
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The home minister recalled what happened thousands of years ago during the ‘sabha’ of Hastinapur when disrespect to a woman resulted in the Mahabharata.
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Stressing the need to enhance the dignity of the House and respect of the post of the Speaker, he said it is the responsibility of every legislator to ensure that the functioning of the House is carried out according to rules, and the discourse must be towards people and the nation’s interest.
He emphasized that not allowing the House to function in view of personal political interests is not the right thing, as interruptions in the proceedings affect the house’s role in contributing towards the nation.
Holding discussions rising above the party interest and promoting the interest of the nation is the path that takes us to the greatest heights of democracy, HM said.
Shah said unbiased arguments and productive discussions should take place in the assemblies. The speakers’ conference also provides an opportunity for leaders to work to increase the dignity and respect of the post of the chair of the legislature. “It is an opportunity for all of us to work towards increasing the dignity and respect of the post of the Speaker. We should strive to offer an unbiased platform to raise the issues of the people of our country,” he added.
He mentioned that the historic decision of having an independent assembly department under the speaker by Patel during the British era is very important as the house serves as a medium for both the government and the Opposition to put forward the public’s voice and concerns in an unbiased manner.
As the conference marks the centenary of Patel’s election as the first speaker of the Central Legislative Assembly, the home minister said back then country’s freedom was important, it is equally essential to make sure that the nation runs democratically following independence. He credited Patel for laying the foundation for establishing democratic governance based on Indian ideas.
On the occasion, Shah released a commemorative stamp in the honour of Patel and inaugurated an exhibition organized at the assembly premises showcasing archival records, photographs, and documents on the country’s first elected speaker and the evolution of the nation’s parliamentary institutions.
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