Centenary of Vitthalbhai Patel as First Indian Speaker: Legislative Speakers’ Conference Inaugurated, Amit Shah Says – “Deliberation is the Best Medium in Democracy”

New Delhi :  Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah on Sunday inaugurated the All-India Legislative Speakers’ Conference at the Delhi Assembly. The two-day event marks 100 years since freedom fighter Vitthalbhai Patel became the first elected Indian Speaker of the Central Legislative Assembly.

The conference is being attended by Speakers and Deputy Speakers of state and Union Territory assemblies, along with Chairpersons and Deputy Chairpersons of Legislative Councils. Among the dignitaries present were Delhi Assembly Speaker Vijendra Gupta, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, Delhi Lieutenant Governor Vinay Kumar Saxena, and Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta.

Addressing the gathering, Amit Shah said, “Deliberation is the most effective medium for resolving people’s issues in a democracy.” Expressing concern over frequent disruptions in legislative bodies, he emphasized that obstructing parliamentary and assembly proceedings for political gains undermines the very spirit of democracy.

The Home Minister underlined that Vitthalbhai Patel laid the foundations of India’s legislative traditions, which continue to guide assemblies today. It was during his tenure that legislative secretariats and departments were first established. Shah proposed that a compilation of Patel’s and other freedom fighters’ speeches be made available in the libraries of all legislative assemblies, so that the younger generation can better understand the roots of India’s democratic values.

He added that democracy flourishes only when assemblies function on the principles of prudence, debate, and legislation. Rising above party politics and prioritizing national interest, he said, is the only way to elevate Indian democracy to its greatest heights.

On the opening day, Amit Shah also visited a special exhibition on the life and contributions of Vitthalbhai Patel, organized within the Delhi Assembly premises.