Vice President Dhankar emphasises importance of dialogue among Parliamentarians, advises against disruptions

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], July 11 (ANI): Highlighting the importance of maintaining decorum in a Parliament, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar said that parliamentarians must always believe in dialogue and discussion and be accommodative of other point of views.

He, however, also stressed that debate and dialogue should not lead to disruption and stalling of Parliament.

Dhankar was addressing both the houses of Maharashtra Legislature on Thursday.

Addressing the event, Dhankar said, “It is no surprise then that as home to one-sixth of humanity, we are the world’s largest democracy, and also the Mother of Democracy towards which countries across the globe look for counsel.”

Speaking on the subject of the event ‘Enhancement of Democratic Values and Ethics in our Country’, the Vice President said India has to emerge as a role model for democracy in the entire world.

“Parliament and state legislatures are north star of democracy. Members of Parliament and Legislatures are lighthouses. People look up to you to find solutions to their problems and how they should move ahead and therefore it is bound and duty of parliamentarians and those who are in legislature to exemplify sterling conduct worth emulation,” he said.

The Vice President emphasised the responsibility of parliamentarians to maintain the dignity and credibility of the legislatures, adding that the actions must reflect the highest standards of ethical conduct and transparency.

“As members of our esteemed legislature, we bear a profound responsibility not only to uphold the laws of our land but also to maintain the dignity and credibility of our legislatures. Each of us has been entrusted by our constituents with the sacred duty to represent their voices and aspirations with integrity and sincerity,” Dhankar said.

“It is imperative that we conduct ourselves in a manner that befits our role as lawmakers. Our actions must always reflect the highest standards of ethical conduct and transparency. Anything less not only diminishes the respect our institution commands but also undermines the trust of the people we serve,” he added.

Stating that decorum and discipline are the heart and soul of democracy, the Vice President said the strength of democracy lies in the diversity of opinions and the ability to find common ground through constructive engagement.

“It is a system that thrives on dialogue, debate, discussion and deliberation,” he said.

“We must be always accommodative of the other point of view. The other point of view needs consideration. To reject instantly without consideration the other point of view is antithetical to democratic discourse. We must believe in dialogue and discussion,” he further added.

He further said that dialogue and debate have led to disruption and disturbance, adding that the Indian political system is functioning under “great strain.”

“Weaponising of politics by stalling functioning of Parliament is pregnant with serious consequences for our polity,” Dhankar said.

“There is an imperative need for maintaining strict adherence to democratic values and parliamentary traditions in our Legislatures. The kind of conduct that was seen in the recent Parliament Session is truly painful, for it reflects significant moral erosion in our legislative discourse.

The Vice President further raised concerns over criticism of Chairman or Speaker and said that the respect for chair should always be there.

“It is deeply concerning that the trend to make Chairman or Speaker convenient punching bag. This is inappropriate. when we take the chair we have to be equitable, we have to be fair. It is a duty to engage sometimes in present working and sometimes deal with unpleasant situations and therefore this temple of democracy should never be sacrilege. Respect for the chair must always be there and for this senior members in Parliament and legislature have to lead the way,” Dhankar added.