CityLightBuzz: New Delhi, September 9, 2026: Union Minister for Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy emphasised the importance of upholding parliamentary values above party interests and called for greater dignity and discipline in the conduct of elected representatives in Parliament and State Assemblies.
Kishan Reddy was the Chief Guest at the Sansad Ratna Awards ceremony organised by the Prime Point Foundation in New Delhi. Addressing the gathering, he said that Parliament and legislative assemblies are institutions of democracy and that public trust and respect for them can grow only when members uphold parliamentary traditions.
Criticism Is Essential, But Disrupting Legislatures Is Not
The Union Minister said Opposition parties have every right to criticise the government, question its policies and raise public issues, but disrupting the functioning of legislatures is not the right approach.
He observed that political discourse in earlier generations was marked by greater dignity and parliamentary values, while political conduct in recent times has witnessed a decline. Such behaviour, he said, could send the wrong message to future generations.
Referring to the recent developments in the Telangana Assembly, Kishan Reddy said the conduct of both the ruling Congress and Opposition BRS had been undemocratic. He criticised the situation where one side celebrated removing shirts while the other claimed to have forced them to do so, saying such behaviour could damage the democratic system.
He stressed that people closely observe the conduct of political leaders and therefore MLAs and MPs must behave with dignity and responsibility.
“My Journey Reflects the Greatness of Indian Democracy”
Recalling his own political journey, Kishan Reddy said he came from a farmer family and never imagined that he would rise to his present position. He said his journey was possible because of the strength and greatness of Indian democracy.
He recalled listening to the speeches of legendary parliamentarians such as Atal Bihari Vajpayee, P. V. Narasimha Rao and Morarji Desai, which inspired him to enter politics.
Kishan Reddy said he had never entered the Well of the Assembly during his political career and had not missed even a single day of an Assembly session. He said he had attended every sitting from his first day in the legislature through the recently concluded Monsoon Session of Parliament.
Calls for Responsible Opposition
Kishan Reddy said differences of opinion between the government and Opposition are natural in a parliamentary democracy. However, if the Opposition disagrees with the government, it should “speak out” through sharp criticism or stage a walkout, rather than create continuous disruptions inside the House.
He recalled former Vice-President M. Venkaiah Naidu’s advice that Opposition parties should speak out or walk out when they disagree with the government.
The Minister said that instead of constructive criticism and walkouts, disruptions have increasingly become a feature of legislative proceedings. Different political parties and ideologies should come together on issues concerning the people, he said, comparing the process to different rivers ultimately joining the sea.
According to Kishan Reddy, repeatedly stalling Parliament or an Assembly amounts to disrespecting the people who elected their representatives.
National Interest Must Remain Above Party Lines
Kishan Reddy also highlighted the growing political awareness among citizens, particularly due to the influence of social media. He said people are increasingly informed about political and public issues and carefully evaluate candidates before electing their representatives.He urged MPs and MLAs to work in accordance with the trust placed in them by voters and keep the national interest at the centre of their responsibilities.
Recalling former President Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam’s vision, Kishan Reddy said political parties may have different ideologies, but they should stand together on matters concerning the nation. He also urged political parties to protect India’s dignity when discussing national issues on international platforms.
Appeal to Respect Constitutional InstitutionsThe Union Minister also cautioned political parties against making unnecessary allegations against constitutional institutions such as the Election Commission.
He said such institutions function independently and beyond political considerations, and warned that repeated and unwarranted criticism could undermine public confidence in these important democratic institutions.
16 MPs Receive Sansad Ratna Awards
The Sansad Ratna Awards ceremony was organised by the Prime Point Foundation, where 16 Members of Parliament from different political parties were honoured for their parliamentary contributions.
Union Minister of State for Education Dr. Sukanta Majumdar, former Chief Justice of India Justice B. R. Gavai, former Union Minister Hansraj Gangaram Ahir, and senior Members of Parliament were among those who attended the event.
Kishan Reddy’s address focused on the need to restore dignity, discipline, constructive debate and parliamentary values in India’s legislative institutions while placing public service and national interest above partisan considerations.
