Dissent Must Be Respected as Strength of Democracy, Says Om Birla

Panchkula: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Monday called upon lawmakers to respect dissent and differences of opinion, saying they are essential to strengthening democracy and improving governance.

Addressing the ‘Janpratinidhi Sammelan’ organised by the Haryana Vidhan Sabha in Panchkula as part of the Samvidhan Pakhwada programme, Birla said agreement and disagreement were integral to a healthy democracy. Dissent, he said, brought fresh perspectives, exposed administrative shortcomings and helped improve governance.

He urged elected representatives to rise above political and ideological differences and focus on the development of the state and the country, particularly the welfare of the most vulnerable sections of society.

Referring to Haryana’s six-decade journey, Birla highlighted the state’s contributions to agriculture, national security and sports, describing its progress as a reflection of India’s democratic resilience.

He also described the Constitution as the country’s living soul and moral compass, rather than merely a framework for governance.

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, Assembly Speaker Harvinder Kalyan and Leader of Opposition Bhupinder Singh Hooda were among those present.