Strengthen democratic traditions, LS Speaker Birld told to WB MLAs

Inaugurating a two-day Orientation Programme for newly elected Members of the West Bengal Legislative Assembly in Kolkata today, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla called upon the legislators to strengthen democratic traditions and lead the State’s renaissance. Emphasizing that elected representatives are the custodians of the people’s aspirations, Shri Birla urged the Members to actively contribute to informed law-making, constructive debates, and good governance, while preserving West Bengal’s rich democratic and cultural legacy.

Stressing that legislative debates must focus on solutions rather than mere criticism, Shri Birla noted that constructive debate is the hallmark of a vibrant democracy. While criticism is an essential component of legislative functioning, he said that every discussion should also offer practical solutions to public problems. Legislators should base their interventions on facts, research, and reasoned arguments to enrich the quality of democratic discourse, Shri Birla highlighted.

Emphasizing that every MLA is both a representative of a constituency and a custodian of the State’s broader aspirations, Shri Birla said that legislative responsibilities extend far beyond local concerns. Every debate, law, and policy, he noted, should be guided by public welfare and aimed at finding practical solutions to citizens’ challenges.

Chief Minister of West Bengal, Suvendu Adhikari; Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs, Kiren Rijiju; Deputy Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha, Harivansh; Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Legislative Assembly, Ritabrata Banerjee; and other dignitaries graced the inaugural session and addressed the gathering. Speaker of the West Bengal Legislative Assembly, Rathindra Bose, delivered the welcome address, and the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Government of West Bengal, Dr. Shankar Ghosh, delivered the vote of thanks.(UPDATED ON 3RD JULY 2026)