Chandigarh: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Monday said dissent and differences of opinion must be respected in a democracy, stressing that collective efforts and public service, rather than political differences or the pursuit of power, should guide the country’s progress.Addressing a Janpratinidhi Sammelan organised by the Haryana Vidhan Sabha under ‘Samvidhan Pakhwada‘ at Indradhanush Auditorium, Birla said, “Both agreement and disagreement are strengths of a democracy.”The conference brought together present and former public representatives, including chief minister Nayab Singh Saini, Assembly Speaker Harvinder Kalyan and leader of opposition Bhupinder Singh Hooda, to deliberate on the Constitution, democratic traditions and Haryana’s development journey.Birla said since its formation in 1966, Haryana had emerged among the leading states in development despite numerous challenges during its 60-year-long journey, with the Constitution providing the foundation for its progress. “The Constitution is not merely a framework for running the govt but the very soul of India,” he said.Birla said the Haryana Vidhan Sabha had contributed to the state’s progress through debates, dialogue and reasoned discussions. He urged legislators to strengthen democratic institutions and uphold healthy traditions, adding that the legislature, executive, and judiciary had distinct responsibilities in lawmaking, implementation, and ensuring access to justice.Emphasising the role of public representatives, he said bringing positive change in the lives of the most disadvantaged and improving their socio-economic conditions was a moral responsibility.Assembly Speaker Harvinder Kalyan said a developed Haryana could be built only through active public participation and an aware citizenry. He urged public representatives to become role models and strengthen constitutional values through their conduct.He also highlighted initiatives taken by the Haryana Vidhan Sabha with the support of the Lok Sabha to strengthen legislative functioning, including training workshops and conferences on parliamentary practices and constitutional values.Kalyan added that Samvidhan Pakhwada would include a Yuva Sansad, a special Assembly session on Constitution Day and conferences for women and representatives of panchayats and local bodies.Meanwhile, the leader of opposition emphasised the need for collective efforts towards public welfare and the state’s progress, irrespective of political parties’ ideological differences.He said public representatives, from panchayat members to MPs, should be judged on three parameters — listening to people, responding to their concerns, and ensuring accountability.Hooda’s brief exitHooda was reportedly displeased over his perceived lack of prominence in the event’s publicity material. The leader of opposition, who enjoys Cabinet rank and is a two-time chief minister, initially left the venue but later returned after Assembly Speaker Harvinder Kalyan and his team intervened.
