Public representatives are elected to assemblies with a singular purpose: to address the issues of the people and to work towards their welfare. They serve as the bridge between the government and the citizens, tasked with raising the concerns of their constituencies and ensuring that policies enacted are aligned with public welfare. Yet, this responsibility often seems forgotten amidst the chaos of grandstanding, personal attacks and theatrics that have increasingly become the hallmark of legislative sessions. The role of a legislator, whether in power or opposition, is to serve the people. However, this purpose is compromised when the assembly becomes an arena for personal clashes and unruly behavior. Too often, the news from legislative assemblies highlights heated arguments and physical altercations rather than meaningful debate on pressing issues like unemployment, healthcare, education and infrastructure. This not only dilutes the essence of democratic governance but also leaves critical matters unresolved.
Erosion of Accountability, Public Perception: The public has, in some ways, normalized this behavior by allowing representatives to sidestep accountability. Instead of questioning their performance, citizens often rally behind these representatives, glorifying them as “tigers” or “lions” for their aggressive tactics, ignoring the underlying absence of productive contribution. But these titles do not convey strength; they signify a profound misunderstanding of the purpose of a legislative body. The assembly is meant to be a forum for constructive dialogue, where diverse opinions converge to build a better society, not an arena for power plays. What does it say about our democratic maturity if we celebrate unruly behavior and reward representatives for hollow rhetoric rather than effective policymaking? This trend is a dangerous precedent, as it cultivates a political culture more interested in spectacle than substance. The trust of the people is a mandate for change, not for conflict. It is the people who suffer when representatives prioritize personal gains and petty rivalries over the needs of their constituencies.
Real Power Of Representation; Engaging With Real Issues: A representative’s true strength lies not in their ability to dominate discussions or overpower opponents but in their commitment to identifying and solving the issues affecting the public. Employment, healthcare, education, infrastructure and economic stability are just a few of the critical areas that demand legislative attention. When assemblies focus on these real issues, society benefits. But for this to happen, there needs to be a shift in the public’s expectations from their representatives. Citizens need to develop the courage and awareness to hold their representatives accountable, questioning them on their actions and decisions. It is crucial to remember that elected representatives are public servants, accountable to those who voted them into office. Their performance should be evaluated not on how well they “defeated” their political rivals in an argument but on how effectively they championed the issues facing their constituencies.
“To create real change, the people and their representatives must reclaim the spirit of the assembly as a place for problem-solving and progressive policymaking. Only then can we expect a governance model that truly reflects the needs and aspirations of the people. It is through this lens of accountability and dedication to the public that elected officials can and should be judged. The assembly should not be a battleground of egos but a platform of public service. In doing so, we uphold not just the dignity of our institutions, but the very fabric of our democracy.”
Role Of Citizens In Strengthening Democracy: For a functioning democracy, public engagement is essential. It is not enough to vote and then remain silent for the next term. The public should demand transparency, question inefficiency and push for clear answers on important policy issues. Social media and public platforms have given citizens the tools to amplify their voices, but these tools should be used to foster awareness, not to cheer on disruptions in legislative sessions. Furthermore, civil society, mediaand educational institutions can play a pivotal role in raising awareness about the responsibilities of public representatives. Citizens should be encouraged to watch legislative proceedings, follow the issues being debated and question representatives about their conduct and performance. The focus must be on making informed demands and raising expectations so that representatives are held to higher standards.
Creating A Culture Of Constructive Debate: Constructive debate is the foundation of any healthy democracy. In legislative assemblies, it is through debate that diverse perspectives are presented, policies are scrutinized and the best solutions emerge. Representatives are expected to discuss, question and debate in a manner that upholds the dignity of the institution. Personal attacks, abusive language and disruptive behavior betray the trust of the people and undermine the institution’s integrity. Training and orientation programs for legislators can be instrumental in promoting decorum and professionalism. Many countries conduct such programs to guide newly elected representatives on legislative procedures, ethical conduct and conflict resolution. Jammu and Kashmir with its vast and complex democratic framework, could benefit from incorporating structured training sessions for its representatives. These programs could cover essential aspects like public speaking, handling criticism, conflict de-escalation and prioritizing public welfare over personal interests.
Reclaiming The Assembly’s Purpose: The role of a public representative is noble, and assemblies are sacred spaces where ideas are supposed to flourish, where society’s best minds come together to chart a path forward. The trend of reducing legislative sessions to a spectacle of aggression is a disservice to the nation. It is high time that we, as citizens, start holding our representatives accountable and remind them of the true purpose of the assembly. To create real change, the people and their representatives must reclaim the spirit of the assembly as a place for problem-solving and progressive policymaking. Only then can we expect a governance model that truly reflects the needs and aspirations of the people. It is through this lens of accountability and dedication to the public that elected officials can and should be judged. The assembly should not be a battleground of egos but a platform of public service. In doing so, we uphold not just the dignity of our institutions, but the very fabric of our democracy.
(The author is a freelancer. The views, opinions and conclusions expressed in this article are those of the author and aren’t necessarily in accord with the views of “Kashmir Horizon”)
Dr Rizwan Rumi
Rizwanroomi2012@gmail
