Om Birla Urges Lawmakers to Respect Dissent as Strength of Democracy
Lok Sabha Speaker calls for constructive debate, constitutional values and governance focused on the welfare of the most vulnerable
- Om Birla says dissent strengthens democracy and improves governance.
- Lok Sabha Speaker describes the Constitution as India’s soul and moral compass.
- He praises Haryana’s contributions to agriculture, defence and sports.
- Lawmakers urged to prioritise grassroots empowerment and the welfare of vulnerable people.
GG News Bureau
Panchkula, 2nd Nov: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Monday called upon lawmakers to uphold dissent as an essential strength of democracy, stressing that healthy disagreement brings fresh perspectives, exposes administrative shortcomings and helps improve governance.
Addressing the inaugural session of the Janpratinidhi Sammelan organised by the Haryana Vidhan Sabha in Panchkula under the Samvidhan Pakhwada programme, Birla said agreement and disagreement were two sides of a vibrant democratic system.
He urged elected representatives to rise above political, party and ideological differences and keep the progress of the state and the country at the centre of their public responsibilities.
Constitution as India’s moral compass
Reflecting on India’s constitutional journey, Birla described the Constitution as more than a framework for governing the country, calling it the soul of India and a reflection of the aspirations of its people.
He highlighted the contribution of the Constituent Assembly under the leadership of Dr BR Ambedkar, noting that representatives from different regions and communities helped establish a parliamentary democracy capable of accommodating India’s linguistic, cultural and religious diversity.
Birla said the survival and growth of India’s federal democratic system demonstrated the resilience of its constitutional framework.
Haryana’s six-decade journey
Highlighting Haryana’s development over the past six decades, the Lok Sabha Speaker praised the state’s contribution to agriculture, national security and sports.
He commended farmers for adopting modern agricultural technologies and improving crop productivity, strengthening India’s food security. He also lauded Haryana’s youth serving in the armed forces for their courage and contribution to protecting the country’s borders and internal security.
The state’s sportspersons also received praise for bringing recognition to India on international platforms.
Birla said Haryana’s development journey reflected the strength and resilience of India’s democracy despite historical and administrative challenges.
Public service must reach the last person
Emphasising the responsibilities of elected representatives, Birla said public service should continue beyond an individual’s tenure in the legislature.
He urged lawmakers to view governance as a means of empowering people at the grassroots rather than merely as an administrative exercise.
He said the ultimate measure of political and social responsibility should be tangible improvements in the lives of vulnerable communities and the person standing at the last point of the social and economic queue.
Birla also praised the Haryana Legislative Assembly for maintaining the standards of parliamentary debate, reasoned dialogue and legislative dignity throughout its six-decade journey.
The event was attended by Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, Assembly Speaker Harvinder Kalyan, Leader of the Opposition Bhupinder Singh Hooda, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Mahipal Dhanda and Deputy Speaker Krishan Lal Middha, along with serving and former legislators and former ministers.
