Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla Urges MLAs to Focus on Solution-Oriented Debates, Not Mere Criticism

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Friday stressed the need for legislative debates to be constructive and solution-oriented, rather than focusing solely on criticism. Speaking at the launch of a two-day orientation programme for newly-elected Members of the West Bengal Legislative Assembly, Mr. Birla said, 'Constructive debate is the hallmark of a vibrant democracy. While criticism is an essential component of legislative functioning, every discussion should also offer practical solutions to public problems.'

The programme, organised by the Lok Sabha Secretariat and the Parliamentary Research and Training Institute for Democracies (PRIDE) in collaboration with the West Bengal Assembly, aims to familiarise first-time legislators with parliamentary procedures and best practices.

Mr. Birla emphasised that legislators should base their interventions on facts, research, and reasoned arguments. 'Every debate, law, and policy should be guided by public welfare and aimed at finding practical solutions to citizens' challenges,' he added. He acknowledged that agreement and disagreement are natural in a democracy but stressed that differences must be expressed through dignified and respectful debate.

Calling upon the MLAs to remain lifelong learners, Mr. Birla urged them to study previous debates and landmark legislations. Noting that the current West Bengal Assembly has around 180 first-time members, he described it as 'a historic opportunity to bring fresh ideas, innovation, and people-centric governance to the State.'

He also highlighted the role of technology, pointing to the Digital Sansad platform as a resource for accessing legislative documents and best practices.

The inaugural session was attended by West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, Speaker of the West Bengal Assembly Rathindra Bose, and Leader of Opposition Ritabrata Banerjee.

Chief Minister Adhikari, in his address, commented on the state's previous governments. He noted that for 34 years a government had ruled from its party office rather than the Assembly. He added, 'I don't even want to talk about what happened in the last 15 years. They built a system where no BDO or police used to care, paying heed to the MLAs or MPs.' Mr. Adhikari said the new government is working to revive the culture and honour of West Bengal.