-Amit Shah inaugurates All India Speakers’ Conference at Delhi Assembly

-Recalls legacy of Vitthalbhai Patel

-Urges constructive debates in legislatures

New Delhi, Aug 24 (HS): Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday inaugurated the two-day All India Speakers’ Conference at the Delhi Assembly, calling legislatures the “engine of democracy” while cautioning against the growing trend of disruptions in parliamentary proceedings.

Addressing the gathering, Shah said both the treasury benches and the opposition play equally vital roles in a democratic framework. However, repeated obstruction of proceedings, he stressed, undermines the very spirit of democracy. “Legislatures are not just platforms for debate but spaces where intellect and ideas converge. Meaningful discussions pave the way for people-centric laws, and it is the responsibility of both sides to become the voice of the people,” he remarked.

The Home Minister urged Speakers and Deputy Speakers from across the country to ensure that discussions in the House remain dignified, constructive, and outcome-driven.

Shah also paid rich tributes to Vitthalbhai Patel, the first Indian elected Speaker of the Central Legislative Assembly, highlighting his pioneering contribution to parliamentary traditions. He proposed that Patel’s speeches and works be compiled and made available in the libraries of all state assemblies, so that future lawmakers can draw inspiration from them.

Invoking India’s civilizational roots of debate and dialogue, Shah cited the ancient Sabha of Hastinapur as an example of democratic traditions deeply ingrained in the country’s cultural history. “A Speaker is not merely the custodian of the House but also its servant. His judicious decisions strengthen the foundation of democracy,” he said.

The conference was attended by Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, Delhi Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta, Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena, besides Speakers and Deputy Speakers from legislative bodies across India. A special exhibition showcasing the life and legacy of Vitthalbhai Patel was also inaugurated at the venue.

Concluding his address, Shah called upon legislators to make greater use of parliamentary libraries. “It is through study and dialogue that democracy grows stronger,” he underlined.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar