MLAs have to fulfil regional aspirations: Bahuguna

Noting that MLAs have a major role to play in fulfilling regional aspirations, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna today asked them to rise above party politics and work for the welfare of people. 

"We must all rise above party politics and unitedly work for the welfare of the people," he said addressing the newly elected legislators of the state's third Legislative Assembly on the first day of the three–day awareness programme for them. 

Praising the opposition for playing a great role in strengthening democratic institutions, he said, "There should be discussions and debates in the House, giving everyone a chance to express his or her views." 

"It is for these reasons that the entire world admires our democracy. We are proud of our Constitution and our Parliamentary democracy," he said. 

Echoing Bahuguna, Uttarakhand Governor Aziz Qureshi called upon the MLAs to come forward and work for the welfare of the poor, farmers and the underprivileged sections. 

Expressing concern over the fact that the faith of the common man in the democratic institutions was diminishing, he said, "We have obtained our independence at a great cost and with great difficulty. Thus we must ensure that the welfare of the country is achieved. For that, we must rise above party-based politics."

Speaker Govind Singh Kunjwal said the MLAs should learn how to respect the views of the opposition. "While expressing your views, you should also let others put forward their points of view." 

The Speaker said out of the 70 MLAs in the Legislative Assembly, 25 had been elected for the first time. 

BS