Agartala, July 1:
The Tripura Legislative Assembly on Wednesday celebrated its 63rd Foundation Day at the Assembly lobby, with Governor Indrasena Reddy Nallu calling upon legislators to uphold the dignity of the House and constitutional values, while Leader of the Opposition Jitendra Chaudhury said the occasion should serve as a reminder of the struggles and sacrifices that laid the foundation of democracy in the state.
Addressing the function, Governor Reddy said the Legislative Assembly has remained the highest democratic institution of the state since its inception and has played a vital role in representing the aspirations of the people.
He urged members to strengthen democratic traditions through meaningful discussions, mutual respect and commitment to constitutional principles, while working for the welfare of the people.
In his address, LOP Chaudhury said the Foundation Day was not merely a ceremonial event but an opportunity to remember all those who had contributed to Tripura’s democratic journey, including members of the erstwhile Tripura Territorial Council, former legislators and those who fought to establish the Assembly as a true institution of the people.
He said the Assembly’s history did not begin with its establishment in 1963 but was rooted in the democratic movements that sought representative governance in the erstwhile princely state. Paying tribute to those who sacrificed for democracy, he said the institution was built not merely with bricks and mortar but through the struggles and aspirations of the people.
Recalling India’s democratic evolution, the Opposition Leader said the Constitution and parliamentary democracy were the outcome of the country’s long freedom movement and the sacrifices of countless freedom fighters.
He said India’s democratic strength lies in its constitutional institutions from Parliament to Panchayats and urged legislators to uphold the highest traditions of debate, public accountability and people-centric governance.
Chaudhury also said the presence of former Speakers and former legislators at the programme offered an opportunity for the present generation of lawmakers to reflect on the Assembly’s parliamentary legacy and strive to strengthen its finest traditions.
The programme included the felicitation of former Speaker and Padma Shri
Kokborok scholar Naresh Chandra Dev Varma who is also a former staff of the Assembly.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ratan Lal Nath, MLAs from the BJP, Congress and TIPRA Motha, former Speakers, former legislators, and Assembly officials and staff members attended the celebration.
