Delhi Speaker Ram Niwas Goel Quits Electoral Politics, Writes To Kejriwal

Delhi Assembly Speaker Ram Niwas Goel, citing old age, has announced his retirement from electoral politics in a letter to Aam Aadmi Party chief Arvind Kejriwal.

Delhi assembly Speaker Ram Niwas Goel has announced to quit electoral politics.

Source : PTI

Delhi Assembly Speaker and Aam Aadmi Party leader Ram Niwas Goel has written to party chief Arvind Kejriwal stating he would like to stay away from electoral politics due to old age but would continue to serve the party. 

"I humbly want to inform you that for the last 10 years, I have efficiently performed my duties as the MLA and Speaker of the Shahdara Legislative Assembly. You have always given me a lot of respect for which I will always be grateful to you. The party and all the MLAs have also given me a lot of respect, for this, I express my gratitude to everyone," Goel wrote in the letter. 

"Due to my age, I want to distance myself from electoral politics. I assure you that I will continue to serve the Aam Aadmi Party with all my heart, mind and wealth. I will try to fulfil whatever responsibility you assign to me," he added. 

The development comes after the seventh Delhi Legislative Assembly concluded its five-year term on Wednesday holding its 74th and final sitting before the upcoming elections slated for February 2025.

Speaker Goel addressed the House and called the occasion “emotional and historic.” During its tenure, the assembly addressed 1,095 questions during the Question Hour, tabled 19 committee reports, and passed 26 Bills, Goel said.

Additionally, 702 mentions, 39 short-term discussions, and 13 motions were part of the legislative proceedings, the Speaker said, adding four government resolutions and 14 others were also passed. 

“As Speaker, I have fulfilled my duties impartially, giving equal importance to both the ruling party and the opposition. Despite being a Union Territory Assembly with limited powers, remarkable work has been accomplished," he said. 

He stressed the smooth functioning of the House, noting that members were given ample opportunities to express their views and raise matters of public importance. 

He thanked the legislators for their cooperation, saying, "I am deeply grateful to all members for their support in running the House successfully for five years. If anyone’s feelings were hurt during proceedings, I hope they do not take it personally, as my role was bound by rules.”