Question

Atal Bihari Vajpayee, a former Prime Minister of India, said during a speech in the Lok Sabha, “Sarkaarein aayengi, jaayengi. Paartiyaan banengi, bigadengi. Lekin yeh desh rehna chaahiye, is desh ka loktantra amar rehna chaahiye.” (Governments will come and go, and parties will rise and fall. But the nation must endure, and its democracy must live on.)

1. What message do you think this gives about the role of Parliament and leaders in a democracy?
2. Why is it important to protect democratic values even when political power changes?

Answer 1

1. This quote expresses the deep concern of former Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee about the behaviour of some members of Parliament. It also gives an important message that the interests of the people and the nation should always come before personal or political benefits.
2. It is important to protect democratic values because they safeguard the rights, freedom, and voice of citizens, no matter which government is in power. Governments may change, but democracy provides stability, accountability, and continuity. Without strong democratic values, changes in government could result in conflict, disorder, or misuse of power.