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.

‘Study issues'

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 there should be an outcome for these. One should fight for an outcome that will be in the interest of people, he added.

'Do homework'

Leader of the Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan, who delivered the main address, advised all newcomers in the House to do their homework diligently before participating in discussions. He quoted the late K.M. Mani, former Finance Minister, that one should have the attitude and mindset of a student when one sits as a legislator inside the Assembly.

Mr. Vijayan advised them to learn all Rules of Proceedings of the House and to spend a good amount of time inside the House, participating in the proceedings and to always be mindful of keeping the dignity of the House while participating in debates.

'Lot of responsibilities'

Speaker Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan, who presided over the function, said that being a legislator came with a lot of responsibilities and that it was their orientation in the Rules of Proceedings of the House, practical skills and knowledge which would make them good MLAs.

There are 71 fresh faces in the 16th Kerala Legislative Assembly. He said that the 138-year-old Kerala Legislative Assembly had a huge legacy that they should strive to keep up and to always remember that for an MLA, public interest, and not political considerations, should assume priority when taking up people’s issues inside the House.

Deputy Speaker Shanimol Osman welcomed the gathering.

Former MLAs and senior Legislative Assembly officials, among others, were present.