The Advisory Council Members

Basavaraj Shivalingappa Horatti is a distinguished leader with a long-standing career as a member of the Karnataka Legislative Council, having first been elected in the early 1980s. Currently serving as the Chairman of the Council, he has held this position twice, most recently since December 21, 2022. Shri Basavaraj’s eight consecutive terms make him the longest-serving member of the Council.
He has also held leadership positions in various associations and councils, including as President of the Karnataka High School Teachers Association, Vice President of the Karnataka State Sports Council, and President of the Karnataka University Theatre Lecturers Association.

Shri Koyye Moshenu Raju is an experienced public representative who has been serving as the Chairperson of the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Council, the State’s Upper House, since 19 November 2021. A member of the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP), he was nominated to the Legislative Council by the Governor in 2021 and was subsequently elected as Chairperson by consensus. Beginning his public life at the grassroots level, he has served four consecutive terms as a Municipal Councillor and twice as Floor Leader since 1987, reflecting his sustained commitment to local governance and public service. He is recognised for his intellectual depth, nuanced understanding of constitutional and legislative frameworks, and his ability to guide deliberations with clarity, reasoned judgment, and scholarly insight.

Kunwar Manvendra Singh, a distinguished political figure has held various prominent positions throughout his career. Shri Manvendra is currently the Chairman of UP Legislative Council. He has served as a Member of the Legislative Council in Uttar Pradesh for three terms and as a Member of the Legislative Assembly in Uttar Pradesh for one term. Shri Manvendra has held the esteemed position of Chairman of Laghu Jal Vidyut Nigam government of Uttar Pradesh in the past. His commitment to public service, social justice, economic growth, and the advancement of marginalised communities has garnered him widespread admiration.

Shri. Awadhesh Narain Singh is a respected leader, and the Chairman of the Bihar Legislative Council. With a political career spanning decades, he has been a stalwart advocate for democratic values and development. Shri.. Singh has played a pivotal role in shaping legislative policies and promoting inclusive governance in Bihar. Known for his integrity and dedication, he has earned admiration across party lines. His leadership reflects a deep commitment to education, rural development, and social welfare. Shri. Awadhesh Narain Singh’s legacy lies in his unwavering dedication to public service and strengthening democratic institutions.

Shri Ram Shankarrao Shinde is a seasoned Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and the 7th Chairperson of the Maharashtra Legislative Council, having assumed office on 15 December 2024 after being elected unopposed to the position. He has a long career in Maharashtra politics, including tenure as a Member of the Maharashtra Legislative Council since 8 July 2022 and earlier as a Member of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly representing the Karjat-Jamkhed constituency from 2009 to 2019. During his legislative tenure, Shri Shinde served as Minister of State with portfolios covering Home Affairs, Marketing, Tourism, Health and other departments, and later as Cabinet Minister for Water Conservation in the Government of Maharashtra under Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. His experience in both legislative and executive roles demonstrates his strong engagement with policy implementation and governance. Shri Shinde’s leadership in the Council is backed by his legislative expertise and organisational work within the BJP in the state.

Smt. Neelam Gorhe currently serves as the Deputy Chairperson of the Maharashtra Legislative Council. She has been elected to the Council for four consecutive terms in 2002, 2008, 2014, and 2020. She also served as the Acting Chairperson of the Council from 7 July 2022 to 16 December 2024, further reflecting the trust placed in her legislative leadership. With decades of public life rooted in social activism, she has emerged as a prominent voice on women’s rights, social justice, and equitable governance in Maharashtra. Her legislative work often centers on gender equity, public health, education, and the welfare of marginalized communities. Known for her clarity, discipline, and procedural command in the House, she contributes meaningfully to debates and policy discussions. Her engagement with grassroots issues, combined with policy insight, has earned her respect across party lines and strengthened her role as a thoughtful legislative leader.

Shri A. N. Shamseer currently serves as the 24th Speaker of the Kerala Legislative Assembly. A prominent leader of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), he represents the Thalassery constituency and is a two-time Member of the Legislative Assembly. He has built his public life through student activism and grassroots politics. Beginning his journey with the Students’ Federation of India, he later held key roles in the party’s youth and district leadership. Known for his calm demeanor and firm adherence to legislative procedure, Shamseer emphasizes democratic values, decorum, and inclusive debate in the House. His tenure reflects a commitment to transparent governance, constitutional principles, and people-centric public service across Kerala.

Biman Banerjee is currently the Speaker of the West Bengal Legislative Assembly. He has served in this role since May 30, 2011, and is a current representative of the Baruipur Paschim constituency. Shri Banerjee completed his education from Calcutta University in 1970.

Biswajit Daimary hails from Assam. Initially elected as a member of the Assam Legislative Assembly from 2001 to 2006, he then went on to serve as a Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha from 2008 to 2014. He resigned from the Rajya Sabha in November 2020 and was re-elected in February 2021. Currently, he is the Speaker of Assam Legislative Assembly. With a background in higher secondary education from Kokrajhar College and post-graduation from Madurai Kamaraj University, Shri Daimary continues to serve in the Rajya Sabha, representing the people of Assam.

Shri Embalam R. Selvam currently serves as the 21st Speaker of the Puducherry Legislative Assembly. He was elected to the Assembly from the Manavely constituency as a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party. With a background in grassroots politics and public service, he has worked consistently on issues related to rural development, civic infrastructure, and public welfare. Over his legislative career, he has earned recognition for his accessibility to constituents and administrative focus. As Speaker, he is known for maintaining decorum, ensuring balanced debate, and upholding democratic procedures in the House.

Shri. Harvinder Kalyan is the Speaker of the 15th Haryana Assembly. Representing the Gharaunda constituency, he has consistently championed the causes of rural development, agricultural upliftment, and social welfare. Known for his grassroots connect and dynamic leadership, Shri. Kalyan has played a pivotal role in implementing welfare schemes and fostering economic growth in his region. A staunch advocate for farmers’ rights and education, he has earned widespread respect for his dedicated service. Shri. Kalyan’s vision for progress and his unwavering commitment to public welfare continue to inspire his constituents and beyond.

Kuldeep Singh Pathania, Speaker of Himachal Pradesh Vidhan Sabha, has had a remarkable political career spanning over three decades. He has been a champion for marginalised communities, providing free legal aid and promoting social justice. Pathania has held various significant positions in the State Legislative Assembly and chaired important committees. His dedication was recognised with the ‘Best Parliamentarian’ award in 1994. His recent election as the Speaker only reinforces his stature as a respected leader.

Kultar Singh Sandhwan, a prominent political leader, holds the position of the 18th Speaker of the Punjab Legislative Assembly since March 21, 2022. He represents the Kotkapura Assembly constituency. During his first term from 2017 to 2022, Shri Sandhwan served as the Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee and was a member of the Library and Subordinate Legislation Committees. In his second term, he was elected as the Speaker of the Punjab Assembly.

Shri Lalbiakzama currently serves as the 15th Speaker of the Mizoram Legislative Assembly. He was elected to the Assembly from the Tuivawl constituency. A senior leader of the Mizo National Front, Lalbiakzama has long been associated with grassroots public service and community leadership in Mizoram. Over the years, he has contributed actively to discussions on rural development, infrastructure, and social welfare. As Speaker, he is known for his calm, balanced approach, ensuring discipline, fairness, and strict adherence to legislative procedures while guiding the House with dignity and impartiality.

Shri M. Appavu currently serves as the 20th Speaker of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly. He was elected to the Assembly from the Radhapuram constituency as a member of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam. With a long career in grassroots politics and public service, Appavu has consistently worked on issues related to rural development, social welfare, and public infrastructure. Known for his disciplined conduct and deep understanding of legislative procedures, he presides over the House with fairness and dignity, ensuring constructive debate and adherence to democratic norms.

Rabindra Nath Mahato is a seasoned leader and the current Speaker of the Jharkhand Legislative Assembly. Shri Mahato began his political journey as an independent candidate in Barawa, Jamtara, Jharkhand. He has gained popularity for his leadership and straightforward demeanour. He was elected to the Jharkhand Legislative Assembly from the Nala constituency in 2005, 2014, and 2019. As the 7th speaker of the Jharkhand Vidhan Sabha, Shri Mahato has implemented measures to improve legislative work and recently presided over the celebration of the 20th foundation day of the Jharkhand Vidhan Sabha.

Rahul Narwekar holds the position of Speaker in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly. In 2016, he was elected as a Governor’s Nominee to the Maharashtra Legislative Council. Currently, Shri Nawekar is serving as the MLA for Mumbai’s Colaba constituency. At the age of 44, he is the second youngest speaker of any state in Bharat.

Ritu Khanduri made history as the first female speaker of the Uttarakhand assembly. Elected unopposed to the position, she presides over the fifth legislative assembly of the state, representing the Kotdwar constituency. Smt Khanduri Bhushan’s election represents a significant milestone in the representation of women in the state’s political arena.

Satish Mahana is a notable political figure. He holds the position of the Speaker in the Legislative Assembly. With seven successful terms as MLA for, the largest cantonment in Bharat-Kanpur Cantonment, Shri Mahana has proven his commitment to serving his constituents. During his tenure as Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development from 1997 to 2002, he demonstrated remarkable skills and was reappointed to the same position. Shri Satish Mahana is often referred to in the slogan, “Mahana is the name with whom the world is with.

Smt. Surama Padhy currently serves as the 17th Speaker of the Odisha Legislative Assembly. She is a two-time Member of the Odisha Legislative Assembly, having been elected from the Ranpur constituency in 2004–2009 and again in 2024–present. She has also served as the Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Cooperation in the Government of Odisha from 18 May 2004 to 9 March 2009. With a background in grassroots leadership and social service, Padhy has been actively engaged in issues concerning women’s empowerment, rural development, and community welfare. As Speaker, she is known for her composed demeanor, impartial conduct, and firm adherence to legislative rules, guiding the House with dignity while encouraging meaningful and disciplined debate.

The Speaker of the 11th Meghalaya Legislative Assembly Shri. Thomas A. Sangma is a distinguished politician from Meghalaya dedicated to public service and regional development. As a senior leader of the National People’s Party (NPP), he has held key positions, including serving as an MLA and representing Meghalaya in the Rajya Sabha. A strong advocate for the rights of indigenous communities, Shri. Sangma has been instrumental in driving initiatives to improve infrastructure, education, and economic opportunities in the state. Known for his leadership and commitment to fostering regional harmony, he remains a respected figure in Meghalaya’s political landscape and a champion of sustainable development.

Shri. U. T. Khader Fareed is a seasoned politician and the Honorable Speaker of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly. He has been a trusted and influential figure in Karnataka politics. Representing his constituency as a Member of the Legislative Assembly several times, Shri. Khader Fareed has held key ministerial positions, including Minister of Health and Family Welfare (2013–2016), Minister of Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs (2016–2018), and Minister of Urban Development (2018–2019). He also served as the Deputy Leader of Opposition from 2022 to 2023. Shri. Khader Fareed is known for his administrative acumen, policy expertise, and dedication to public service.

Currently serving as the Speaker of the 16th Rajasthan Assembly, Shri. Vasudev Devnani is one of the influential leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Known for his dedication to education and public service, he has served as the Education Minister of Rajasthan, implementing transformative policies to enhance the state’s educational infrastructure. A three-time Member of the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly from the Ajmer North constituency, Shri. Devnani is celebrated for his visionary approach to governance and grassroots development. With a focus on cultural values and quality education, he has championed initiatives promoting skill development, digital literacy, and youth empowerment, earning him respect across political and societal spheres.

Shri. Vijender Gupta is a seasoned politician and the Honorable Speaker of the Delhi Legislative Assembly. A three-time BJP MLA, he won elections in 2015, 2020, and 2025. Shri. Vijender Gupta began his political journey in the 1980s with the Janata Vidyarthi Morcha and later became president of the BJP’s youth wing in 1995. He first tasted electoral success in 1997 as a councillor in the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD). A learned voice in Delhi politics, Shri. Vijender Gupta is known for his experience in legislative and party leadership roles.

Ramesh Tawadkar is serving as the MLA from the Canacona constituency in the Goa Legislative Assembly and is a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He was the Speaker of the Goa Legislative Assembly (8th Assembly) from 29 March 2022 to 21 August 2025, during which he became the first tribal legislator to hold that distinguished post in the state. Tawadkar has been elected to the Assembly multiple times since 2005, earlier representing Poinguinim before delimitation and later Canacona. He has also served as a cabinet minister with portfolios including agriculture, tribal welfare and sports.

Nand Kishore Yadav is a senior political leader from Bihar and a prominent member of the Bharatiya Janata Party. He represented the Patna East/Patna Sahib constituency in the Bihar Legislative Assembly continuously from 1995 to 2025. He also served as the Speaker during the 17th Bihar Legislative Assembly (2024–2025). Beginning his public life as a Councillor of the Patna Municipal Corporation in 1978 and later as Deputy Mayor in 1982, he went on to serve as President of the BJP, Bihar (1998–2003). In the state government, he held key portfolios including Road Construction, Tourism, and Health & Family Welfare. Also, he served as Leader of the Opposition (2013–2015), contributing significantly to the state’s governance and infrastructure development.

Awadh Bihari Choudhary is a former Speaker of Bihar legislative Assembly and a prominent member of the Rashtriya Janata Dal. He served as the Speaker of the Bihar Legislative Assembly during the 17th Legislative Assembly from 26 August 2022 to 12 February 2024. He is a five-time MLA from the Siwan constituency. He had been elected on the tickets of Janata Dal and RJD. He earlier served as Education Minister in the government led by Rabri Devi, contributing significantly to the state’s education and public administration.

Charan Das Mahant is a Former Speaker of Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly and a senior leader of the Indian National Congress. He has had a long and distinguished career, beginning as a two-term MLA in the undivided Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly (1980–1990). He served in state cabinets with portfolios including Agriculture, Commercial Tax, Home Affairs and Public Relations before entering national politics. Mahant was elected to the Lok Sabha three times (1998, 1999 and 2009) and served as Union Minister of State, Agriculture and Food Processing Industries in the UPA government. He served as Speaker of the Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly (2019–2023), emphasising legislative decorum and development.

Pasang Dorjee Sona is a well-known political figure from Arunachal Pradesh and serves as the MLA for the 33rd Mechukha Assembly Constituency, having won the seat for the fourth consecutive term in 2024. He was elected as the Speaker of the Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly on June 4, 2019, and served in that role until June 13, 2024. After his tenure as Speaker, he was inducted into the state cabinet as a minister, holding key portfolios including Education, Rural Works, Parliamentary Affairs, Tourism, and Libraries. Shri Sona’s focus on public service and development has made him an influential leader in the region.

Shri Brij Behari Lal Butail is a senior political leader from Himachal Pradesh and a prominent member of the Indian National Congress. A veteran legislator, he has been elected multiple times to the Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly from the Palampur constituency. He served as the Speaker of the Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly from 2013 to 2017 during the 13th Assembly, where he was known for maintaining legislative decorum and smooth conduct of proceedings. Over his long public life, he has contributed significantly to parliamentary practices and democratic governance in the state.

Shri. D. H. Shankaramurthy is a senior political leader from Karnataka with an extensive career in legislative and governance roles in Bharat. He served for several decades as a Member of the Karnataka Legislative Council, representing the South-West Graduates constituency. He gained prominence as the Chairman of the Karnataka Legislative Council from 2010 to 2018, where he upheld constitutional values, decorum, and legislative procedure. He has also served as Leader of the Opposition in the Council, Cabinet Minister for Higher Education, and held important responsibilities in state planning and policy formulation, contributing significantly to Karnataka’s legislative development.

Mohammad Haroon Rashid is a senior political leader from Bihar with a long legislative career. He has been a member of the Bihar Legislative Council since 2008 and played an active role in the state’s parliamentary affairs. His political journey began during the historic JP Movement of 1974, reflecting his deep engagement in public life and democratic activism. Rashid served as Chairman in Charge and Deputy Chairman of the Bihar Legislative Council. In these roles, he presided over Council proceedings and contributed significantly to legislative deliberations, strengthening institutional governance in the state.

Nadendla Manohar is a seasoned legislative leader from the state of Andhra Pradesh in Bharat, known for his long-standing contribution to parliamentary functioning. A senior member of the Indian National Congress, he was elected as a Member of the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly from the Tenali constituency and served multiple terms. He attained prominence as the Speaker of the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly from 2010 to 2014, where he presided over the House with neutrality, discipline, and adherence to constitutional conventions. His legislative career reflects sustained engagement in law-making, deliberation, and institutional leadership within the Assembly.

Nimaben Acharya is a senior legislative leader from the state of Gujarat and a prominent member of the Bharatiya Janata Party. She was elected as a Member of the Gujarat Legislative Assembly from the Jamnagar constituency and served multiple terms in the House. She earned wide recognition during her tenure as the Speaker of the Gujarat Legislative Assembly from 2012 to 2014, where she upheld constitutional propriety, neutrality, and legislative discipline. Her parliamentary career is marked by effective House management, adherence to democratic norms, and significant contributions to legislative functioning in Bharat.

P. Sreeramakrishnan is an experienced political leader from Kerala with a significant legislative career in Bharat. He has been a long-serving member of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and was elected as a Member of the Kerala Legislative Assembly representing the Ponnani constituency. He attained prominence as the Speaker of the Kerala Legislative Assembly from 2016 to 2021, presiding over the 14th Assembly with emphasis on democratic values, legislative discipline, and inclusive parliamentary practices. His tenure looked at strengthening institutional functioning, transparency, and constructive legislative deliberations within the Assembly.

Prem Chand Aggarwal is a senior political leader from the state of Uttarakhand and a prominent member of the Bharatiya Janata Party. He has been elected as MLA from the Rishikesh constituency and has played a significant role in the legislative affairs of the state. He served as the Speaker of the Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly from 2017 to 2022, where he conducted proceedings with firmness and adherence to parliamentary rules. He has also held ministerial responsibilities in the state government, contributing to policy implementation and governance in Uttarakhand.

Sitasaran Sharma is a senior politician, lawyer, medical practitioner, and a senior leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party. He served as Speaker of the Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly from January 2014 to January 2019. He has also served as Chief Whip of the BJP Legislature Party in the Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly from 1998 to 2003. Dr. Sharma is the incumbent MLA from the Narmadapuram (Vidhan Sabha) constituency. First elected in 1990, he has won six consecutive terms from the same constituency, including his most recent victory in December 2023. He has not lost an election to date.

Uday Narayan Choudhary is a senior politician from Bihar who served as the 14th Speaker of the Bihar Legislative Assembly from 2005 to 2015. He was a Member of the Bihar Legislative Assembly from the Imamganj constituency from 2005 to 2015. Earlier, he also served as a Member of the Legislative Assembly from 1990 to 1995.

Vipin Singh Parmar is a senior politician from Himachal Pradesh and a Member of the Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly representing the Sullah constituency. He served as Speaker of the Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly and earlier held office as a Cabinet Minister in the Government of Himachal Pradesh, overseeing the Health and Family Welfare departments. During his ministerial tenure, he was associated with key public health initiatives and administrative reforms in the state. His legislative and executive experience reflects sustained engagement in state governance, parliamentary procedure, and public administration in Himachal Pradesh.