Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Assembly Speaker Satish Mahana on Saturday urged newly elected legislators in West Bengal to use the Assembly as an effective platform to address public concerns, strengthen democratic values and build credibility among the people.Addressing a two-day orientation programme organised jointly by the Parliamentary Research and Training Institute for Democracies (PRIDE) of the Lok Sabha Secretariat and the state legislature, Mahana said public representatives who earn people’s trust are better placed to drive development in their constituencies.“Every legislator must discharge their constitutional responsibilities while upholding democratic traditions. The Constitution is not only a document of rights but also one that reminds us of our duties. Legislators should have a clear understanding of both,” he said.Highlighting the importance of Assembly committees, Mahana said they play a crucial role in examining issues of public interest in detail and can help resolve people’s grievances more effectively.“Constructive and meaningful participation in the House ultimately defines a legislator’s public image,” he said.Drawing an analogy, Mahana said the democratic system was like a chair resting on four legs and would become unstable if any one institution weakened.He said the legislature, executive, judiciary and other constitutional institutions must function within their respective constitutional limits. He also noted that legislatures have constitutional powers, including privileges, to safeguard the dignity and functioning of the House whenever required.Sharing his experience as a minister and legislator, Mahana urged members to remain in constant touch with the people and work continuously to resolve local issues.He also encouraged legislators to study the parliamentary conduct and speeches of former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, former Union ministers Sushma Swaraj and Arun Jaitley, saying they offered valuable lessons in parliamentary decorum and effective communication.