Rather Highlights role of debates, discussions in strengthening democracy
Srinagar: Speaker, Jammu & Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Abdul Rahim Rather, attended the 11th Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) India Region Conference held in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
The prestigious conference is being held from 11th to 13th September 2025 and was attended by Speakers and Secretaries from all States and Union Territories across the country.
The inaugural address was delivered by Lok Sabha Speaker, Om Birla.
Addressing the gathering on the theme “Debates & Discussions in the Houses of Legislature: Building People’s Trust, Meeting People’s Aspirations”, Speaker Rather underlined the pivotal role of legislatures as forums of healthy debate and discussion.
“It is a matter of immense pride and privilege to speak on a topic that lies at the very heart of our democracy. The legislature is not merely a building of bricks and stones, it is a temple of democracy where the voice of the people resonates and the future of our nation is shaped,” he stated.
Highlighting on the importance of informed deliberation, Speaker Rather remarked, “Debate is the soul of democracy. When legislators engage in meaningful discussions, people begin to trust the system. Trust is strengthened when we move beyond disruption to discussion, beyond personal attacks to policy analysis, beyond noise to nuance.
He emphasized that debates must reflect the real issues faced by citizens, prioritize inclusive growth, and create actionable solutions. “Every time a law is passed after thorough debate, every time a policy is improved through suggestions in the House, it is the people’s aspiration being honoured,” he observed.
Calling for responsible conduct of members, he said, “When debates are reduced to shouting matches, when discussions turn into walkouts, the message that goes to the people is not of strength, but of weakness. We must demand that our representatives come prepared, respect decorum, and focus on solutions, not stunts.”
On the sidelines of the conference, Speaker Rather also held a meeting with Secretary General of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, Stephen Twigg. The Speaker expressed gratitude to Secretary General for the restoration of Jammu & Kashmir’s membership in the CPA.
The Secretary General extended an invitation to Speaker Rather to attend the upcoming CPA conference scheduled to be held in Barbados in the first week of October 2025.
Secretary, J&K Legislative Assembly, Manoj Pandita, also accompanied the Speaker to the conference.
