Patna

Vice President CP Radhakrishnan on Saturday said Bihar had not only played a crucial role in the country's freedom struggle but also led the "second independence movement" during the Emergency.

Speaking at the inaugural session of a two-day orientation programme for Bihar MLAs in Gayaji district, he urged legislators to work for the welfare of people.

“Bihar had not only played a crucial role in the country's freedom struggle but also led from the front to spearhead the second independence movement during the Emergency,” Radhakrishnan said.

The vice president recalled his participation in the famous JP movement during the Emergency as a college student, which, he claimed, deeply shaped his political journey.

Between June 25, 1975 and March 21, 1977, India was placed under a state of Emergency under Article 352 of the Constitution.

The vice president said that Bihar has produced numerous luminaries, from Rajendra Prasad Singh to Jayaprakash Narayan and Karpoori Thakur, who dedicated their lives for the betterment of the poor.

“Elections are indeed fought on party lines, but when elections are over, it is our responsibility to work collectively for people and development. Ideas may differ on the floor of the House, but the Constitution should serve as our common guide,” he said.

Radhakrishnan also emphasised the role of technology in strengthening legislative proceedings.

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“We all live in a digital age. Even legislators with long years of experience should keep themselves updated with emerging technologies, including AI, to strengthen legislative proceedings,” he said.