Lucknow: The historic Vidhan Bhavan complex in Lucknow witnessed a momentous occasion on Sunday with the grand and dignified inauguration of the 86th All India Presiding Officers’ Conference, often described as the Mahakumbh of Democracy. Held under the theme “Strong Legislature, Prosperous Nation”, the three-day national conference has brought together Presiding Officers of legislatures from across the country on a single platform.
Inaugurating the conference, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla underlined the pivotal role of legislatures in strengthening democracy. He said that by 2026, all legislative assemblies in the country have become paperless, and live telecast of proceedings has significantly enhanced transparency and public access to information. “The greatest responsibility of legislatures is to uphold public trust and credibility,” Birla said, adding that while members may belong to different political parties and ideologies, the people expect their issues to be raised effectively in the House and conveyed to governance systems.
He emphasized that consensus and dissent are both the strength of democracy and said India can take pride in being the world’s largest democracy. Expressing concern over the declining number of sittings in legislative bodies, Birla stressed the need to ensure fixed and adequate time for House proceedings, noting that longer sittings enable more meaningful, serious, and result-oriented discussions.
Uttar Pradesh Assembly Speaker Satish Mahana termed it a matter of great pride for the state to host such a prestigious national conference. Welcoming the dignitaries, he said the presence and patronage of Governor Anandiben Patel added further dignity to the event. Highlighting Uttar Pradesh’s rich cultural heritage, service-oriented ethos, and natural beauty, Mahana said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the state’s image has transformed significantly over the past nearly nine years, leading to a more positive national perception of Uttar Pradesh.
Questioning the negative narrative often associated with politics, Mahana said that since Independence, India has produced many great leaders who provided direction to the nation. He noted that legislatures reflect the diversity of society, with members ranging from PhD holders and retired IAS-IPS officers to grassroots workers and sanitation staff. He stressed that while the legislature, executive, and judiciary have defined boundaries, democratic systems can progress only through mutual respect, cooperation, and dialogue.
With the permission of the Lok Sabha Speaker, Satish Mahana read out a message from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in which the Prime Minister expressed happiness over the conference being held in Lucknow and conveyed his best wishes for its success. The message highlighted dialogue and deliberation as integral to democracy, aiding transparency and respect for diverse viewpoints.
The formal inauguration took place with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp in accordance with Sanatan traditions, in the presence of Governor Anandiben Patel. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh, Legislative Council Chairman Kunwar Manvendra Singh, Assembly Speaker Satish Mahana, and Leader of Opposition Mata Prasad Pandey jointly lit the lamp. The conference began with the national anthem, followed by resounding chants of “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” across the complex.
This is the fourth time that Lucknow is hosting the All India Presiding Officers’ Conference. Presiding Officers from 28 states, Union Territories, and state legislative councils are participating in the event.
Welcoming the guests, Leader of Opposition Mata Prasad Pandey described the conference as a platform for introspection and self-improvement. He said democracy is not merely about electoral victory but a continuous process of dialogue between governance and society, emphasizing that the Constitution is supreme and citizens are above power.
Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh described Lucknow as a symbol of tehzeeb and called Uttar Pradesh the heartland of India. Referring to sacred places such as Kashi, Prayagraj, Ayodhya, Naimisharanya, Chitrakoot, and Sarnath, he said the state is emerging as a land of opportunities, with significant growth in its GDP under the present leadership.
During the programme, a short film titled “How Uttar Pradesh Is Becoming the Best State” was screened, showcasing the state’s pilgrimage sites, contributions to the freedom struggle, and the legacy of icons such as Rani Lakshmibai, Ram Prasad Bismil, Chandrashekhar Azad, Bismillah Khan, Pandit Ravi Shankar, and Pandit Birju Maharaj.
Over the next three days, the conference will deliberate on key issues including legislative efficiency, use of technology, the new era of education, accountability of legislatures to citizens, and the vision of a developed India. The discussions are expected to send a strong message of democratic strengthening from Uttar Pradesh to legislatures across the nation.
