Bihar led 'second independence movement' during Emergency: Vice President CP Radhakrishnan

Patna, Jul 11 (PTI) Vice President CP Radhakrishnan on Saturday said Bihar had not only played a crucial role in the country's freedom struggle but also led the "second independence movement" during the Emergency. Speaking at the inaugural session of a two-day orientation programme for Bihar MLAs in Gayaji district, he urged legislators to work for the welfare of people. "Bihar had not only played a crucial role during the country's freedom struggle but also led from the front the second independence movement during the Emergency," Radhakrishnan said. He recalled his participation in the famous JP movement as a college student, which, he claimed, deeply shaped his political journey. Between June 25, 1975 and March 21, 1977, India was placed under a state of Emergency under Article 352 of the Constitution. The vice president said that Bihar has produced numerous luminaries, from Rajendra Prasad to Jayaprakash Narayan and Karpoori Thakur, who dedicated their lives for the betterment of the poor. "Elections are indeed fought on party lines, but when elections are over, it is our responsibility to work collectively for people and development. Ideas may differ on the floor of the House, but the Constitution should serve as our common guide," he said. He made anecdotal references highlighting camaraderie and mutual tolerance among political leaders across party lines. "I remember, in Lok Sabha, when Lalu ji made witty attacks on Atal ji (ex-PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee), it was Atal ji who laughed a lot. Or for that matter, Raghuvansh Prasad ji was my formidable opponent in the Lower House, but when we got out of the House, we travelled in the same car," he recalled. Radhakrishnan highlighted that regular disruption of legislative proceedings due to differences of opinion poses a major challenge to democracy. "Indeed, a legislator enjoys power, but it should not be used to disrupt House proceedings to an extent where the presiding officer is nudged to use his powers. In a democracy, we may agree to disagree. However, we all must agree on one aspect: our commitment to the people and the Constitution. Ideas may differ on the floor of the House, but the Constitution must remain our common compass," he said. The vice president said that the wave of discussion, argument, and sometimes disruption must lead to a decision. "Without a decision, no state can develop. Better debate strengthens democracy, and setting cooperation and consensus strengthens the nation. This orientation programme is designed exactly to achieve this goal," he added. Radhakrishnan also emphasised the role of technology in strengthening legislative proceedings. "We all live in a digital age. Even legislators with long years of experience should keep themselves updated with emerging technologies, including AI, to strengthen legislative proceedings," he said. The vice president said that the dream of 'Viksit Bharat' 2047 is incumbent upon the development of Bihar. "Bihar has always served as a guide for India. Democracy is not a new concept for India. There was a republic in Bihar's Vaishali long before the world adopted it. That is why we call Bharat the mother of democracy. "As the legislators of this historic and vibrant land of Bihar, you have been entrusted with the task of living up to its legacy," he said while addressing MLAs. Radhakrishnan emphasised that the objective of the orientation programme, organised by the Bihar Institute of Public Administration and Rural Development, is to ensure that migration from Bihar is checked, and people from other states come here to earn and learn, which will ensure development of the state. The vice president said that the two-day orientation programme is a very important part of legislators' political journey. "You win the elections by gaining the votes, but to win the hearts of the people, you need to dedicate yourself to service. As legislators, you are the voice and eyes of the people, who expect justice and development and hope from you. "Every point you raise, every question you ask, every law you enact, and every discussion you participate in has the potential to improve the lives of citizens of your state," Radhakrishnan said. He said it is the responsibility of legislators to create opportunities for the youth, and ensure that development reaches each village. Radhakrishnan urged legislators to understand the rules, procedures, legislative and budgetary processes, committee systems, and parliamentary conventions. He also emphasised the importance of question hour and zero hour. The vice president also advised Bihar legislators to exercise patience in public life. Citing the example of former Bihar CM Nitish Kumar, he said, "At the turn of the century, when I was in Lok Sabha, Nitish Kumar became CM for 7-8 days, which was one of the shortest tenures. However, he kept his patience, and later became the longest-serving CM of Bihar." The inaugural session was also addressed by Bihar Governor Syed Ata Hasnain, Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, Deputy CM Vijay Kumar Choudhary, Assembly Speaker Prem Kumar and Legislative Council chairman Awadhesh Narayan Singh. PTI SUK BDC