An ideal working condition in Indian Parliament or Maharashtra Legislative Assembly in a democratic system is possible if it is founded on the principle of responsible opposition and responsible government, says the Speaker of Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Dilip Walse Patil. Reflecting the functioning in state Assembly in last five years, Patil expressed concerns over the lack of debates on legislative business (law making), which is the primary goal of the elected members. He also warned that individuals often confine themselves to narrow and partisan issues related to their constituencies and districts, often defeating the larger purpose of Assembly functioning in Maharashtra. According to Patil, “There is a growing trend to get into the trappings of regional prejudice while raking the issues on floor of the house which could lead to disintegration of the state. The Assembly cannot become to create a wedge based on district or taluka politics. To the contrary, one has to rise above and unitedly work for state’s welfare keeping in mind the larger social welfare of Maharashtra.” While acknowledging that an average of 45 days a year functioning was unfortunate, he said, “Somewhere I feel members across party lines have begun to focus on urban issues, ignoring rural issues. Overall, I feel we have become more urbancentric in Maharashtra instead of concentrating on rural Maharashtra.” While it may be true that Maharashtra has highest percentage of urban population, the problems of rural Maharashtra cannot be overlooked and should have been debated more in Assembly. Patil, who earned the tag of headmaster for his no-nonsense image, said, “Unfortunately, in the last five years I have not seen a single debate on planning and policies on Maharashtra, on what should be the thinking in critical sectors for next 10 years in state.” He added, “ It is not the dearth of talent in state. But it is increasingly becoming a trend to centre the assembly functioning on issues and incidents which are accorded highest priorities. I am not dismissing the significance of issues or event. But I believe discussion of Legislative Bills that determine the policies ahead for the government are extremely crucial in any system. And whether it is government or opposition, they cannot lose sight of the legislative business.” While admitting that there are some extremely good and talented individuals (MLAs) from across the party lines who often raise valid issues, he said, “The disappointment was lack of participation from youngsters. Post 2009, we have the most youthful state Assembly with 125 members who represent our generation-next. But their participation in Assembly was not as one would have liked to see. I am not blaming them. It’s not their fault. But the parties should have taken conscious decisions to identity and promote their talent in diverse fields.” While outlining the lows and the highs in last five years, Patil said, “It was indeed a great moment of pride to see Maharashtra Legislative Assembly completing 75 years. To mark the occasion we held debates and seminars on wide ranging issues from agriculture, infrastructure to education.” He added, however, there were some instances like the police and MLA confrontation (read Kshitij Thakur versus police sub-inspector Sachin Suryavanshi) or maximum number of MLAs inviting suspension for unruly behaviour inside Assembly and within the Vidhan Bhawan premises dented the image of the stateAssembly and such conduct of individuals could have been avoided. shubhangi.khapre@expressindia.com
