Frequent disruptions in legislatures pose a serious challenge to democratic institutions: Om Birla

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla addresses the closing session of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Conference II. of India Zone (North Zone) in Chandigarh on June 9, 2026. Image: X/@ombirlakota

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Tuesday (June 9, 2026) said that frequent interruptions and disruptions in the Houses of Parliament and state assemblies pose a serious challenge to democratic institutions. He emphasized that the solution to this problem lies in the legislative institutions themselves and called on them to encourage behavior in line with public expectations, dialogue and meaningful discussion.

He was addressing the second conference of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) India Region Zone-II (North Zone) which concluded in Chandigarh.

He urged the public representatives to ensure that their conduct in the legislative institutions is exemplary to ensure the welfare of even the last person in the society. “A society is shaped by the behavior and behavior of its leadership. The public elected us here and sent us here, so our behavior has a direct impact on society,” he said.

“Public cooperation is essential”

Mr. Birla said the conference concluded with four important resolutions aimed at making legislative institutions more effective, accountable and people-centric. It forms a solid foundation for the future through which the country’s legislative and democratic institutions will advance in cooperation with the public, he said.

“The dream of a developed India, ‘Viksit Bharat’, is anchored on strong parliamentary and legislative institutions. To achieve this, it is imperative to increase public participation, maximize the use of technology, strengthen the capacity of legislators, ensure citizen involvement in policy and law making, and raise awareness about the Constitution and constitutional institutions,” he added.

“Centre, states must work together”

In India’s federal structure, the states and the Center can fulfill the aspirations of the people only by working together through schemes, laws and policies, he said. “The 21st century is the century of India and we must move forward by keeping the aspirations of the youth, women and all sections of society at the center,” he said.

Presiding officers from the legislatures of 12 states participated in this two-day CPA India Region Zone-II (North Zone) conference. Apart from the member states of CPA Zone-II – Haryana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir and Delhi – Speakers from other state legislatures including Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Goa, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Sikkim and West Bengal also participated.

Published – 09 Jun 2026 23:01 IST