Amit Shah stresses dignity of legislatures at Speakers’ Conference

New Delhi, Aug 24: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday called for strengthening the dignity of legislatures and ensuring impartial conduct of proceedings, as he inaugurated the two-day All India Speakers’ Conference at the Delhi Legislative Assembly. The event marked the centenary of freedom fighter Vitthalbhai Patel becoming the first elected Indian Speaker of the Central Legislative Assembly.

Shah said Speakers hold the most challenging role in a democracy, as they must rise above party affiliations to act as impartial umpires. He stressed that assemblies should function as platforms for the people’s voice, prioritising debates and legislation rooted in public welfare. “Impartiality and justice are the two pillars of the Speaker’s dignity,” he said, adding that when assemblies lose dignity, the country faces consequences.

He also warned against prolonged disruptions in legislatures, saying symbolic protests have a place but continuous obstruction weakens democratic institutions.

Instead, he urged lawmakers to focus on “wisdom, ideas and legislation” to ensure inclusive development. Paying tribute to Vitthalbhai Patel, Shah said he laid the foundation of India’s legislative traditions and insisted on the independence of assemblies from executive control. He suggested that speeches of freedom-era leaders delivered in the Assembly be compiled and made available across legislatures, and called for exhibitions on Patel’s life to inspire lawmakers and youth.

The conference is being attended by Speakers and Deputy Speakers of state assemblies and councils, as well as parliamentary affairs minister Kiren Rijiju, Delhi Lt Governor V.K. Saxena and chief minister Rekha Gupta.