“Strength Of Democracy Lies In Debates, Discussions, Don’t Stall”
New Delhi : The union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday said that debate and discussion in the Parliament and Assemblies are the most effective means of addressing public issues in a democratic system, and it must be ensured that the House functions as per rules of the respective legislature.
Shah, while addressing the All India Speakers Conference 2025 held at the Delhi Vidhan Sabha said that debates, in Parliament and Assemblies should take place through healthy discussion, but disrupting their functioning for narrow political interests cannot be called a debate.
He said that the people of the country and the elected representatives should reflect upon the tradition that is being established by not allowing the Houses to function for the entire session, in the name of protest.
Shah underscored the need to work towards enhancing the dignity of the House and respect of the post of the Speaker, and added that it is the responsibility of every legislator to ensure that the functioning of the House is carried on according to the rules, and the discourse must be towards people and the nation’s interest.
He said that a democracy flourishes only when legislatures follow the basic mantra of prudence, deliberation and legislation.
Hm stressed that when discussions in the House are stalled, the role of the legislature in the nation’s development is greatly diminished.
He highlighted that holding discussions rising above the party interest, and going as per the interest of the nation is the path which takes to the utmost heights of democracy.
The union Home Minister said that Vitthalbhai Patel laid the foundation for India’s legislative traditions, strengthening today’s democracy.
He said that if anyone established the framework for running the country democratically based on Indian values, it was undoubtedly the valiant Patel, as he established numerous traditions that continue to guide everyone, especially in legislative functions and the responsibilities of the Speaker, like a radiant beacon.
Shah said that during Patel’s tenure, the Legislative Department and the Legislative Assembly Secretariat were established in the Centre and all states.
He highlighted that Vitthalbhai’s remark at the time was significant: no legislative assembly can function under the control of elected governments.
The assembly must remain independent to ensure the meaningfulness of debates held within it.
Shah said that the decision taken by Patel to establish an independent legislative department was also accepted by the nation’s constituent assembly.
Meanwhile, he also urged the Delhi assembly speaker Vijender Gupta to ensure that a compilation of the speeches delivered by all dignitaries in this historic House is made available in the libraries of every legislature across the country.
As the conference marks the centenary of Patel’s election as the first speaker of the Central Legislative Assembly, HM also said that as back then country’s freedom was important, it is equally essential to make sure that nation runs democratically following independence, and credited Patel for laying the foundation for establishing democratic governance based on Indian ideas.
Shah released a commemorative stamp honouring Patel, while he also inaugurated an exhibition specially 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.
