Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan reminded the legislators that the privileges and mandate come with responsibility and accountability to serve people.
“You are not just legislators but also leaders who have to lead from the front. The mandate you received is an expression of trust people have in you to fulfil their aspirations,” she said addressing Andhra Pradesh legislators here on Saturday.
Noting that the Andhra Pradesh Legislature has onerous responsibility at this juncture to facilitate smooth transition and all- round development of the State by re-assessing its potential, she said, “Your dynamic and techno-savvy Chief Minister can do that very well.”
Delivering the keynote address at the second day of the orientation programme for the newly-elected and re-elected members of the Assembly and the Council, Ms. Mahajan said that common people have a poor opinion of politicians. The members should improve the quality of the debate to enhance the reputation of the House.
“Once elected, you become representative of all, those who voted for you and not voted. That is how the respect is commanded, not demanded,” she said.
Noting that of 175 MLAs, 98 were first-timers, the Lok Sabha Speaker said more than 50 per cent of the members were new. “The advantage is they can be moulded to one’s liking unlike seasoned leaders,” she said.
Emphasising the importance of question hour, she said one should read a lot to put a question. Besides nurturing their constituency, members should acquaint themselves with a broad range of issues and also specialise in some subjects to make a mark.
To a question from Jupudi Prabhakar Rao on the deteriorating image of legislators, she said legislators would earn respect when they behave and deliver. When a majority of legislators try to do good, system itself would be respected, she added.
