Lucknow: Assembly Speaker Satish Mahana on Wednesday expressed disappointment and anguish over the unruly scenes witnessed in the House during the monsoon session and warned that repeated violations of parliamentary decorum would only weaken the democratic institutions.In an emotional statement in the Assembly, Mahana invoked the observation of the father of the Constitution, BR Ambedkar, in the Constituent Assembly that any future problems would arise not from the Constitution but from the conduct of the people tasked with implementing it.Reflecting on his nearly four-and-a-half-year tenure as Speaker, Mahana said he has consistently worked to preserve the dignity and constitutional significance of the legislature.He highlighted efforts undertaken to showcase the qualifications and achievements of legislators, noting that Assembly included doctors, engineers, MBAs, law graduates and other accomplished professionals.“Legislatures are no less than any other institution. Assembly comprises highly qualified and distinguished members. Recognizing this was a significant step in strengthening parliamentary democracy,” he said.Without naming anyone, Mahana said the behaviour of a member, whom he had once regarded as a role model for the House, left him deeply hurt. “What happened in the House yesterday has made us sad and disappointed. For the first time, I feel that our efforts have fallen short. And Dr Ambedkar’s warning has proved correct that the deficiency lies not in the Constitution but in individuals,” he said.Emphasising the importance of respecting constitutional offices, Mahana said all legislators should rise above party affiliations to uphold the dignity of the Leader of the House and Chief Minister.Mahana recalled how he opposed objectionable remarks made against then CM Akhilesh Yadav by the then BSP functionary Swami Prasad Maurya when he himself was in the Opposition.“The oath taken by members carries an obligation to respect the leadership of the House. If we fail to rise above party lines and honour these institutions, the Assembly itself risks losing its effectiveness and credibility,” he said.Mahana stressed that debate, disagreement and dissent were an integral part of democracy, but it must remain within the bounds of parliamentary language and conduct.Speaker said that his political journey was nearing its final phase and that he had hoped to repay, through public service, the debt he owed to the legislature. However, he admitted feeling disheartened by recent developments.“It appears our efforts have not succeeded. Unless members cooperate in strengthening this constitutional institution, its advancement will remain difficult,” he said.
