New Delhi : The Speaker of the Delhi Legislative Assembly, Vijender Gupta, released a special commemorative edition of the Assembly’s quarterly magazine Vidhan Chetna on October 22, marking the 93rd death anniversary of Veer Vithalbhai Patel, the first elected Indian President of the Central Legislative Assembly.
The event took place at the historic Old Secretariat, where floral tributes were paid at Patel’s statue in the presence of Deputy Speaker Mohan Singh Bisht, senior Assembly officials, distinguished guests, and school students participating in the Assembly’s Youth Outreach Programme.
In his address, Gupta stated, “India’s parliamentary independence was asserted long before independence itself. Veer Vithalbhai Patel demonstrated that even under colonial rule, the authority of the legislature could not be subordinated to the will of the government, and that the dignity of the Chair must remain beyond political pressure.”
Describing Patel as a principal architect of India’s parliamentary traditions, Gupta emphasised his fearless leadership in establishing impartiality, procedural discipline, and institutional independence, which continue to guide democratic legislatures. He added that Patel’s mastery of parliamentary procedure compelled the British administration to answer before the legislature, reinforcing the principle that governments must remain accountable to elected representatives.
Gupta recalled Patel’s public service career, ranging from Mayor of the Bombay Municipal Corporation to President of the Central Legislative Assembly. Born on September 27, 1873, and passing away in Geneva on October 22, 1933, Patel left a legacy of public service, constitutional integrity, and commitment to India’s freedom struggle.
Highlighting Patel’s connection to the Assembly building, Gupta noted that the Old Secretariat, constructed in 1912, served as the seat of India’s early central legislature. Patel entered the Imperial Legislative Council in 1918, was elected to the Central Legislative Assembly in 1924 and 1926, and served as its President from 1925 to 1930 within the same building now housing the Delhi Legislative Assembly.
Gupta remarked, “This historic House witnessed a defining phase in India’s parliamentary evolution, where Indian representatives challenged colonial authority through constitutional debate and legislative action.” He further stated that the principles of Chair independence, informed deliberation, and procedural discipline established during Patel’s tenure remain fundamental to preserving institutional accountability and public trust.
The occasion also emphasised the Assembly’s efforts to engage younger generations with India’s democratic heritage. The special issue of Vidhan Chetna was released in the presence of school students visiting under the Youth Outreach Programme, symbolically linking the country’s parliamentary past with its democratic future.
Addressing the students, Gupta said, “The future of Indian democracy depends not only on strong institutions but also on informed and engaged citizens.” He encouraged them to value constitutional principles, parliamentary traditions, and the sacrifices of leaders who laid the foundations of India’s legislative democracy. He explained that the Youth Outreach Programme aims to familiarise young citizens with legislative functioning while promoting informed debate, discipline, and respect for diverse viewpoints.
Gupta also noted that the commemorative Vidhan Chetna issue would serve as an important resource in educating younger generations about Veer Vithalbhai Patel’s life and contributions. He referred to the Assembly Secretariat’s publication last year of the coffee-table book Shatabdi Yatra: Veer Vithalbhai Patel and reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to preserving and promoting the legacy of one of India’s foremost parliamentary pioneers.
