Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Thursday emphasized the need for elected representatives to place citizens’ concerns at the center of governance and to remain prepared to amend laws whenever necessary to serve public interest. He was speaking at a session organized by the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association on “Responsibilities of Public Representatives Towards Their Constituencies and the Constitutional Platform Available Through the Legislature.”
Addressing members in the Legislative Council hall, Shinde said that the mandate received from the people must be treated as a continuous reminder of responsibility. “Citizens have elected us with trust. Their concerns, hardships, and expectations should guide our every decision. If required, elected representatives must be willing to go beyond administrative red tape and bring changes to laws to deliver timely solutions,” he stated.
Shinde described democracy as a sacred bridge between the people and their representatives. “Democracy is a flowing river that connects both ends—citizens and lawmakers. Keeping this river clean, active, and beneficial for public welfare is the duty of both the government and the administration,” he remarked, adding that he still considers himself a student of public life, learning from people every day.
Reviewing the government’s recent welfare initiatives, the Deputy Chief Minister highlighted schemes such as the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana, free higher education for girls, the Balasaheb Thackeray Aapla Dawakhana, and the Jeevandayi health scheme offering treatment assistance up to ₹5 lakh. He also shared that the Chief Minister’s Medical Assistance Cell has supported nearly 80,000 patients with aid worth about ₹450 crore in the past two and a half years. Additionally, around five crore citizens have benefited from the Shasan Aplya Dari (Government at Your Doorstep) initiative.
Shinde also acknowledged the strong parliamentary traditions upheld by past Presiding Officers including G. V. Mavalankar, V. S. Page, R. S. Gavai, Jayant Tilak, and Arun Gujarathi. He noted that such leadership helped preserve the dignity and impartiality of the legislature, rising above party lines.
Reflecting on his own political journey—from a grassroots worker to a public leader—Shinde said his commitment has always been to the “common man” and that resolving public issues remains his top priority.
The event was attended by Legislative Council Deputy Chairperson Dr. Neelam Gorhe and Legislature Secretary Meghna Talegaonkar. The session was moderated by Nilesh Madane, while the vote of thanks was delivered by Secretary Talegaonkar.
