Emphasizes the Role of Debates and Discussions in Strengthening Democracy
SRINAGAR: Abdul Rahim Rather, Speaker of the Jammu & Kashmir Legislative Assembly, participated in the 11th Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) India Region Conference, held from September 11 to 13, 2025, in Bengaluru, Karnataka. The conference saw the participation of Speakers and Secretaries from all States and Union Territories across India, with the inaugural address delivered by Lok Sabha Speaker, Shri Om Birla.
Speaking on the theme “Debates & Discussions in the Houses of Legislature: Building People’s Trust, Meeting People’s Aspirations”, Speaker Rather highlighted the central role of legislatures as forums for informed and constructive debate.
“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 said.
Emphasizing the importance of meaningful deliberation, Speaker Rather remarked, “Debate is the soul of democracy. When legislators engage in informed discussions, it fosters public trust. Trust grows when we move beyond disruption to dialogue, beyond personal attacks to policy analysis, and beyond noise to nuance.”
He stressed that debates should address real issues faced by citizens, promote inclusive growth, and lead to actionable solutions. “Every law passed after thorough debate, every policy improved through House deliberations, reflects the aspirations of the people,” he observed.
Speaker Rather also called for responsible conduct among members, noting, “When debates are reduced to shouting matches or discussions end in walkouts, it sends a message of weakness rather than strength. Our representatives must come prepared, respect parliamentary decorum, and focus on solutions rather than theatrics.”
On the sidelines of the conference, Speaker Rather met with CPA Secretary General Stephen Twigg, expressing gratitude for the restoration of Jammu & Kashmir’s membership in the CPA. The Secretary General invited Speaker Rather to the upcoming CPA conference in Barbados in the first week of October 2025.
The Speaker was accompanied to Bengaluru by Manoj Pandita, Secretary of the J&K Legislative Assembly.
