THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Ranchi, Nov 22: Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s decisive role in creating Jharkhand took center stage at the 25th anniversary celebration of the Jharkhand Legislative Assembly on Saturday, as Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar recalled the former prime minister’s vision and historic leadership.
Speaking at the Silver Jubilee function held at the Assembly complex, Gangwar said Jharkhand was formed under the Bihar State Reorganization Act, 2000, because Vajpayee recognized the region’s aspirations and the people’s long-standing demand for separate statehood. Gangwar, who was then a member of the Union Council of Ministers, said he had supported the creation of Jharkhand by voting for it in the Lok Sabha.
“Jharkhand was born from a historic decision taken under Vajpayee’s leadership”
Gangwar said Vajpayee understood the need for balanced regional development and responded with a democratic and inclusive approach. He described the formation of Jharkhand as a landmark moment that shaped the future of the tribal heartland.
India’s democratic roots run deep, says Governor
The governor also spoke about India’s democratic heritage, noting that the country stands as the world’s largest democracy with ancient civilizational foundations. He cited Vaishali as the world’s first republic, where governance based on public participation first emerged.
According to him, the strength and maturity of India’s democracy today are globally admired.
MLAs as the bridge between citizens and the state
Gangwar emphasised that MLAs play a vital role not only in law-making but also in connecting people with the government. He said the Legislative Assembly reflects public aspirations and is the central platform for shaping the state’s development agenda.
He added that Assembly sessions must be viewed not merely as forums for debate but as living institutions of public trust, where policy direction, accountability, and democratic values converge.
“Public trust is a duty, not power”
Reflecting on his own political career, Gangwar said he was elected to the Lok Sabha eight times because of the trust of the people of Bareilly. He said he always considered the development of the region his responsibility, never distinguishing between voters who supported him and those who did not.
He urged MLAs to adopt the same spirit, keeping their doors open to all and treating public trust as a responsibility, not a privilege. “If you ever visit Bareilly, people will tell you more about my work and approach,” he said.
Healthy debate strengthens democracy
Gangwar said MLAs must ensure government schemes reach the last person in the state and must preserve the dignity of the Assembly through meaningful debate and adherence to constitutional values.
He stressed that democracy grows through dialogue, not conflict, and said both the government and opposition share the same ultimate purpose: public welfare and development.
Constructive, factual, and respectful discussion, he said, strengthens institutions and accelerates development.
Facing challenges and opportunities ahead
The governor noted that Jharkhand faces significant challenges in education, health, employment, agriculture, industry, infrastructure, and social welfare. He said the Legislative Assembly plays a decisive role in addressing these issues and guiding the state’s progress.
He expressed hope that the Assembly would function even more transparently and effectively in the future, fulfilling public expectations and strengthening democratic governance. He called on all representatives to work together to build a politically strong, economically self-reliant, and socially harmonious Jharkhand.
