New Delhi: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday stressed that Parliament and Assemblies are meant for debate and discussion, warning that frequent disruptions for political gain harm democracy.
Speaking at the All India Speakers Conference, just days after the Monsoon Session ended with little legislative work due to repeated protests, Shah said the obstruction of proceedings weakens the role of the House in nation-building.
“Debate must take place in a democracy. But if the House is not allowed to function session after session in the name of opposition, it is not good. The country, the people, and elected representatives must reflect on this,” he said.
The home minister urged all parties to uphold the dignity of the Speaker’s office and ensure impartial functioning of the House. He noted that both treasury benches and the opposition should present arguments fairly and within the rules. Citing the humiliation of Draupadi in Hastinapur during the Mahabharata, Shah warned that compromising the dignity of the House has historically led to grave consequences.
Highlighting India’s strong democratic tradition, Shah said that unlike many nations, India has never witnessed bloodshed during regime changes since Independence. He also paid tribute to Vitthalbhai Patel, the first elected Indian Speaker of the Central Legislative Assembly, who assumed office 100 years ago on this day.
Shah said Patel’s contribution—often overshadowed—was crucial in laying the foundation of legislative procedures during challenging times. “If the freedom struggle was important, then so was running the country and building parliamentary traditions. Vitthalbhai Patel played a key role in strengthening democracy, and we must always remember that,” he added.
