Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan on Wednesday stressed the importance of democratic supremacy, public service and constitutional values. He urged elected representatives to set aside differences between ruling and opposition parties and focus on public welfare.
He was speaking at the Rajasthan Assembly’s 75th foundation year event titled ‘Amrit Mahotsav’. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Bagade, Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria and several political leaders attended the day-long programme.
At the concluding session, the Vice-President noted that fulfilling public expectations matters more than electoral victories. Legislators shape laws and also create a lasting legacy through their conduct and principles, he said.
True understanding, he added, comes from experience in Parliament and assemblies marked by integrity. While differing views are natural in a democracy, loyalty to citizens and the Constitution must stay foremost.
Drawing on his time as Rajya Sabha Chairman, he called for constructive and solution-focused debates. He highlighted the need for robust democratic institutions and joint efforts to make India a developed nation by 2047.
Speaker Birla described legislatures as training grounds for democracy, where lawmakers learn dialogue, discipline, consensus and service. He said legislators must recognise their duties to the people, as democracy depends on public trust, discussion, respect and a sense of duty.
He noted that assemblies allow governments to learn about public hopes, difficulties and concerns through open debate. The Rajasthan Assembly, he said, had instilled legislative values in him that later shaped his career.
Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma and Opposition Leader Tika Ram Jully also spoke. A special session examined 23 historic state laws and their social and administrative effects.
Twenty-six current and former MLAs elected six or more times received honours. The Vice-President presented certificates and mementos to seven former Assembly Speakers, including Sumitra Singh, Kailash Meghwal, C.P. Joshi and Shantilal Chaplot.
