President Droupadi Murmu Addresses Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly on its Silver Jubilee Year
Raipur
On the occasion of the Silver Jubilee Year of the Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly, President of India, Droupadi Murmu, addressed the state legislators in the Assembly Hall today. To mark the occasion, she planted a sapling in front of the Central Hall and participated in a group photograph with all the Members of the Legislative Assembly. The event witnessed the presence of Governor Ramen Deka, Speaker Dr. Raman Singh, Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai, Leader of Opposition Dr. Charan Das Mahant, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Shri Kedar Kashyap, Assembly Secretary Dinesh Sharma, President’s Secretary Smt. Deepti Umashankar, and Governor’s Secretary Dr. C.R. Prasanna, among others.
Following a ceremonial procession, President Murmu entered the Assembly Hall and delivered an address to the legislators. Hon’ble Governor Ramen Deka released the book ‘Sadasya Sandarbh’ (Member Reference) on this occasion and presented its first copy to the President.
Commencing her speech with warm congratulations on the 25th anniversary of the Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly, President Murmu praised the Assembly for upholding the highest democratic traditions. She highlighted the Assembly’s unique rule of automatic suspension for members entering the well of the House and noted that in its 25-year history, marshals were never required to maintain order. She commended the Assembly for setting an exemplary standard in parliamentary conduct not only within India but also across democratic institutions worldwide. Remembering the contributions of Mini Mata, a revered woman leader, she urged legislators, particularly women members, to work towards increasing female representation in the Assembly, aligning with the spirit of the ‘Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam’ (Women’s Reservation Act).
The President acknowledged the Assembly’s efforts in passing several significant bills for inclusive welfare and social development. She praised its legislative initiative to eradicate societal oppression based on superstitions and emphasized the crucial role of lawmakers in bringing marginalized sections into the mainstream. She expressed optimism that the fight against Left-Wing Extremism in Chhattisgarh had reached its final and decisive stage, stating that Naxal-affected regions were now inclined towards development and that the state would soon be free from extremism. She also highlighted the philosophy of Guru Ghasidas Ji—‘Manus Manu Ek Samaan’ (All humans are equal)—as an enduring principle of unity and equality.
Speaker Dr. Raman Singh, in his welcome address, mentioned that this was the third instance of an Indian President addressing the Chhattisgarh Assembly, following the visits of former Presidents Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam and Pratibha Devi Patil. Expressing pride in the Assembly’s 25-year journey, he highlighted its commitment to democratic values and its notable role in hosting national and international parliamentary conferences, including the 2005 All India Presiding Officers’ and Secretaries’ Conference and the 2010 Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference for India and Asia. He recalled landmark legislations such as the 2005 Tonhi Torture Prohibition Act, the 2011 Chhattisgarh Public Service Guarantee Act, and the 2012 Food Security Act, which translated the ideology of Antyodaya (upliftment of the last person) into action. Dr. Singh lauded the Assembly for maintaining mutual respect and parliamentary decorum between the ruling and opposition parties under all circumstances.
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, in his address, expressed pride in celebrating the Silver Jubilee Year of both Chhattisgarh State and its Legislative Assembly, coinciding with the birth centenary of former Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who played a pivotal role in the state’s formation in 2000. He referred to this year as ‘Atal Nirman Varsh’ (Atal Construction Year) and reiterated the Assembly’s commitment to upholding parliamentary traditions. Stating that democracy in India has been deeply rooted since the Vedic era, he emphasized the privilege of serving the people and pledged collective efforts towards a developed Chhattisgarh and a developed India.
