Being an MLA is an opportunity to highlight issues of common man, Kerala Chief Minister tells legislators

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Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan, Speaker Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan and Leader of the Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan during an orientation programme for legislators, in Thiruvananthapuram on Wednesday. | Photo Credit: PTI

Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan advised all first-time members of the Legislative Assembly to treat their task as MLAs as the biggest opportunity and assignment in their public life to highlight issues faced by common man, bring the government’s focus to problems of marginalised sections, and to find solutions to vexing problems of citizens in their daily life.

Inaugurating the two-day orientation programme for members of the Assembly in Thiruvananthapuram on Wednesday (June 17, 2026), he advised newcomers in the Assembly to make use of every opportunity afforded to them as an MLA to bring up issues vital to the State before the House and to study every issue closely, before presenting it, abiding by all Rules of Proceedings of the House.

He told them to make use of the extensive resources available at the Assembly library, confer with experienced legislators on how to approach issues and read old and celebrated speeches of prominent legislators such as E.M.S. Namboodiripad and Achutha Menon. This will build their confidence and knowledge so that when they speak in the Assembly, their oration will have the maximum impact, Mr. Satheesan said.

He reminded them that speaking in the Assembly as a legislator was far different from making political speeches outside. “When you speak on a topic, make sure that you have studied its background, who it will impact and speak on the basis of your knowledge and understanding. Making legislation is an important activity of the House and you should actively participate in the process. When a Bill is presented in the House, understand who is the target audience, apply your legal mind and think from their perspective when you come up with amendments,” Mr. Satheesan said.

Debates and discussions are part of a democracy but t