JAIPUR, JUL 15 (PTI): Vice President CP Radhakrishnan on Wednesday said differences of opinion are natural in a democracy, but public representatives must remain steadfast in their commitment to the people and the Constitution.
He was addressing the concluding session of the ‘Vidhan Gaurav Yatra – Conference of Former and Present Members’, organised as part of the Amrit Mahotsav to mark the 75th foundation year of the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly.
“This unique gathering of former and present members is sending a strong message that institutions are more important than individuals and that democracy is much bigger than political differences,” he said.
“Differences of opinion are natural in a democracy, but there must be at least one thing towards which our commitment remains unwavering, and that is our allegiance to the people and the Constitution,” he added.
Radhakrishnan said as the Rajya Sabha chairman, he often emphasises that debates, discussions and even occasional disruptions should ultimately serve as a means to arrive at a decision.
“During elections, we win through the votes of the people, but we can win their hearts only when we serve them with full dedication. Winning elections is important, but more important is whether we can serve the people,” he said.
Advising first-time legislators, he said the experience and knowledge accumulated in the Assembly over decades cannot be found merely in books but is preserved in the experiences of those who have served the House with honesty and commitment.
“When senior legislators share their experiences with younger members, they are in fact passing on the torch of parliamentary values to the next generation,” he said.
Urging new and young MLAs to come prepared to the House, he said they should focus on how to contribute to public welfare in whichever committees they serve on. Radhakrishnan said the occasion was not just a celebration of an institution but of an idea.
“Today, we are not merely celebrating an institution. We are celebrating the idea that democracy flourishes when people come together, deliberate with dignity and place national interest above personal interests,” he said.
Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Bagde, Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria and Leader of Opposition in the Rajasthan Assembly Tika Ram Jully were also present.
