During the Amrit Mahotsav organized to commemorate the completion of 75 years of the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly, former Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje addressed the gathering, emphasizing the critical role of public representatives, particularly MLAs. She highlighted that the quality of democracy can only be strengthened when representatives are studious and participate in house proceedings with thorough preparation. While sharing her personal experiences and memories, she cited the example of the late former Chief Minister Bhairon Singh Shekhawat to illustrate the discipline required in public life.
The Unique Sunday Habit of Bhairon Singh Shekhawat
Vasundhara Raje revealed a fascinating and lesser-known aspect of Bhairon Singh Shekhawat's life. She mentioned that the former Chief Minister used to communicate through writing instead of speaking every Sunday, while recalling an instance, Raje shared that when she once went to meet Bhairon Singh Shekhawat on a Sunday, he interacted with her only by writing. When she inquired about this unusual practice, Shekhawat explained that Sunday was his dedicated day for reading and writing. This discipline allowed him to stay connected with literature and policy-making without the distractions of verbal communication.
Concern Over Declining Reading Habits
The former Chief Minister expressed concern over the current state of legislative participation. Raje noted that the habit of reading and writing is gradually declining among today's MLAs, which she termed as a worrying trend. She emphasized that Bhairon Singh Shekhawat was a constant learner, and it was the result of his extensive study and research that he was able to implement historic schemes like Antyodaya. She also mentioned the Bhamashah Yojana, highlighting it as one of the world's largest Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) schemes, while this initiative played a crucial role in connecting a large number of people to the banking system and economically empowering women.
Advice to Public Representatives
During the ceremony, Vasundhara Raje delivered a motivational message, describing public service as the supreme objective of politics. She advised representatives that continuous study is essential because solid preparation forms the foundation for better law-making and effective debates in the assembly. " She stressed that the goal of a representative shouldn't just be to register their name in history but to perform work that brings positive changes to the lives of the people and the state.
Prioritizing Democratic Values
The veteran BJP leader stated that everyone enters public life with a pledge to give their all for Rajasthan. She remarked that the true respect for a public representative comes from serving the people and making their lives easier, rather than from a position or identity. She urged all current and former MLAs to consider politics as a medium of service and to give the highest priority to democratic values and public interest. Raje concluded by reiterating that the strength of the Rajasthan Assembly lies in the dedication and preparedness of its members.