Innovations by Speaker Vasudev Devnani in Parliamentary Culture Have Strengthened Public Faith in Democracy: Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma

Jaipur : The Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Bhajan Lal Sharma, said that the innovations introduced in parliamentary culture by the Speaker of the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly, Vasudev Devnani, have further strengthened the common people’s faith in democracy.

The Chief Minister made these remarks on Tuesday evening while addressing a programme held at the Constitution Club of Rajasthan in Jaipur. The event was organized to release Devnani’s book titled “Evolution of Parliamentary Culture – Two Years of Innovations”, which documents the reforms introduced in the Assembly, and to discuss the new edition of his work “Sanatan Sanskriti Ki Atal Drishti.”

Chief Minister Sharma inaugurated the programme by lighting the ceremonial lamp. He formally released both books written by Speaker Devnani and congratulated him for his remarkable literary contributions.

Haribhau Bagde was scheduled to attend the ceremony as the chief guest, but could not participate due to sudden illness and hospitalization. The event was attended by Deputy Chief Ministers Diya Kumari and Prem Chand Bairwa, members of the state council of ministers, MLAs, former legislators, public representatives, vice-chancellors, academicians, and many other dignitaries.

Among those present were Chairman of the State Finance Commission Arun Chaturvedi, former state BJP president Satish Poonia, Rajasthan Congress president Govind Singh Dotasra, and Congress Chief Whip in the Assembly Rafiq Khan.

Democracy Strengthened Through Parliamentary Innovations

Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Sharma described the event as a celebration of democratic values and the ongoing journey of parliamentary culture. Appreciating Devnani’s initiatives, he said the Speaker’s innovations have provided new energy, direction, and identity to the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly.

He noted that Devnani has written two to three books in the past two years, helping increase public interest in parliamentary traditions. Sharma also remarked that under Devnani’s leadership, the Assembly has been functioning for longer durations compared with many other state legislatures while strictly following parliamentary rules and traditions.

The Chief Minister emphasized that Rajasthan’s parliamentary traditions have always been rich and rooted in democratic values. He said democratic institutions become stronger when they balance tradition with innovation and focus on transparency and public participation.

He added that the opposition is also a strength of democracy and that constructive suggestions from the opposition should be considered and implemented to achieve the state’s development goals. According to him, both the ruling side and the opposition share the same objective: the development of Rajasthan and the welfare of its people.

Rajasthan Assembly’s Amrit Mahotsav

Speaking on the occasion, Speaker Vasudev Devnani said that the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly is entering its “Amrit Kaal.” Inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the national celebrations of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, the Assembly will celebrate its own Amrit Mahotsav with great enthusiasm. A detailed programme outline will be announced soon.

He thanked Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma for allocating funds for the celebration in the state budget.

Several New Initiatives in the Assembly

Devnani announced that a Central Hall will be constructed in the Rajasthan Assembly on the lines of the Constitution Hall of Parliament. The state government has approved a budget of ₹14 crore for the project.

He also said the hall of the former Legislative Council located on the upper floor of the Assembly building will be renovated and used for Youth Parliament programmes and other large events.

Highlighting innovations in the Assembly, Devnani said the Political Archives Museum of the Assembly has been opened to the public and has already been visited by more than 50,000 people, reflecting growing public interest in democracy.

Other initiatives include:

• Establishment of a Constitution Gallery

• Creation of a Vande Mataram Gallery marking the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram

• Development of a Kargil Shaurya Vatika

• Digitization of Assembly proceedings

• Efforts to make the Assembly paperless

• Introduction of digital signatures for committee meetings

Efforts to Ensure 100% Answers to Questions

Devnani said his goal is to ensure that no question raised by legislators remains unanswered in the future. Questions submitted by MLAs on public issues will receive timely responses.

He noted that in the previous Assembly around 5,000 questions remained unanswered, but with cooperation from the government and senior officials, the response rate has now reached 97%, with a target to achieve 100%.

He added that the responsibility of presiding over the Assembly requires strict adherence to rules and discipline. However, he emphasized that firmness does not mean a lack of sensitivity. When a member is occasionally expelled from the House for indiscipline, he said, it pains him like a mother who worries until her child returns home and eats.

Devnani expressed satisfaction that members from both the ruling party and the opposition have respected parliamentary norms and cooperated fully, allowing the Assembly sessions to run smoothly for longer durations.

Remarks by Opposition and Ministers

Leader of Opposition Tika Ram Jully said the recent budget session of the Assembly was excellent and that both ruling and opposition members received adequate opportunities to speak.

He added that the Speaker’s support strengthens the opposition and praised the proposal to construct a Central Hall, where current and former members from both sides could meet and interact in a cordial environment.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Jogaram Patel said Devnani has introduced a series of innovations in the Assembly over the past two years, leading to a record increase in visitors to the Assembly museum and strengthening public engagement.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Government Chief Whip Jogeshwar Garg.

Earlier, Speaker Devnani welcomed Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma by presenting him with a potted plant and a memento. Assembly Secretary Bharat Bhushan Sharma also presented plants and mementos to other dignitaries on the dais. The event concluded with a fellowship dinner attended by all guests.