Focus On Solutions, Not Criticism: Om Birla Urges Newly-elected Bengal MLAs At Assembly Orientation

Calling for constructive politics and responsible lawmaking, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Friday urged newly-elected members of the West Bengal Legislative Assembly to focus on solutions instead of criticism. Addressing an orientation programme for first-time legislators in Kolkata, Birla stressed the importance of parliamentary traditions, informed debate and public service. Leaders from both the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the BJP also shared their views on legislative conduct, transparency and governance.

Focus on constructive debates, says Om Birla

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla highlighted the changing profile of the West Bengal Assembly, describing it as a historic House with a large number of first-time and relatively young legislators. He said public expectations from elected representatives were at an all-time high and urged MLAs to uphold parliamentary values while contributing to the state's development.

"People have elected you with great expectations. I am delighted that in this Assembly, there are 181 first-time MLAs. This is historic. 194 MLAs here are between 25 and 55 years of age. Upholding Parliamentary traditions and decorum, we have to contribute to the development of the state. You are the representatives of the collective aspirations of the entire state. Debates and discussions must focus on solutions, not mere criticism," Birla said.

The orientation programme, organised to familiarise first-time legislators with Assembly procedures and conventions, witnessed participation from members across political parties.

BJP stresses transparency, legislative dignity

BJP leader Roopa Ganguly called for modernising the West Bengal Legislative Assembly to improve transparency and public participation.

"The dignity and prestige of the West Bengal Legislative Assembly must be upheld. The entire building and the organisation need to be modernised; there is a need for various improvements. The previous system was such that neither the opposition nor the public knew what was happening inside or which bills were being passed. Our goal is to ensure public participation, similar to the practices we have witnessed in Parliament for years," Ganguly said.

BJP MLA Rudranil Ghosh said legislators, irrespective of experience, should understand the standards of conduct expected in legislative institutions.

"Whether they are new MLAs or experienced ones, how to uphold the dignity of Parliament and the Legislative Assembly... what kind of behaviour is befitting, we should have knowledge of this," Ghosh said.

On the sidelines of the programme, BJP MLA Ratna Debnath emphasised women's safety and advocated launching 'Durga Vahini' in every area to "prepare many Durgas."

BJP MLA Dr. Rajesh Kumar Surolia also commented on the judiciary, saying, "The judiciary is doing all the good things... every single thing—from judicial appointments to non-interference in their work—is being closely watched. The judiciary is doing exactly what is expected of them."

TMC welcomes initiative, highlights implementation

State Minister Dipak Barman said the orientation would help newly-elected legislators better understand the functioning of the Assembly.

"The functioning and procedures of the Legislative Assembly are unique, so understanding them is crucial. The people who have come to conduct the training are seasoned politicians and parliamentarians from across India—including many Speakers—so I feel this will be advantageous for everyone," Barman said.

TMC MLA Alifa Ahmed said the programme would enable legislators to perform more effectively while reiterating the party's allegiance to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

"The idea was that we might learn something new and thus perform better. We hope to learn something and work more effectively as a ruling party. For us, there is only one leader: our respected Didi (Mamata Banerjee). Wherever Didi goes, we will follow," Ahmed said.

TMC MLA Babar Ali also welcomed the orientation organised by the Lok Sabha Secretariat and underscored the importance of implementation.

"Implementation is the most important thing."

Referring to administrative submissions before the Election Commission of India, Ali added, "Whatever documents the Election Commission of India has asked from both the sections, they will submit... There should not be any doubt that Mamata Banerjee is the founder of the All India Trinamool Congress."

(With inputs from ANI)