In a significant step towards global democratic engagement, Hon’ble MLC Manjunath Bhandari, Member of the Karnataka Legislative Council, is representing the state at the prestigious National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) Legislative Summit, being held in Boston, USA, from August 4 to 6, 2025.
This marks Bhandari’s second consecutive participation in the NCSL Summit, following his attendance at the previous edition held in Kentucky. His continued presence reflects not only the international recognition of his leadership but also his deep commitment to global legislative collaboration.
The Indian delegation’s participation is being facilitated by the National Legislators’ Conference Bharat (NLC Bharat)—a pioneering non-partisan platform dedicated to strengthening the democratic capacities of Indian legislators and fostering national and international dialogue. Hon’ble Bhandari plays a key role in NLC Bharat, working closely with its Founder, Dr. Rahul V. Karad, and is regarded as a main driving force behind the initiative’s vision and execution.
This year’s delegation includes over 130 MLAs and MLCs from 24 Indian states and 21 political parties, making it the largest Indian legislative representation at any global democratic platform. The initiative underscores Bharat’s growing commitment to learning, collaboration, and progressive policy making.
Speaking on the occasion, Hon’ble Manjunath Bhandari said:
“It is a proud moment to represent my state and constituency at a global platform like NCSL. This initiative is not merely about international exposure but about drawing insights from global best practices to enhance our legislative work back home. I am grateful to NLC Bharat and Dr. Rahul V. Karad for consistently enabling such meaningful opportunities for Indian legislators.”
During the summit, the Indian delegation will engage with over 7,000 lawmakers from across the world, participating in high-level sessions on key issues including artificial intelligence in governance, digital democracy, cybersecurity, voter trust, and policy innovation. The programme also includes academic briefings on U.S. legislative practices and opportunities to connect with Indian-origin leaders in public service, academia, and industry.
Bhandari’s active engagement on this global stage and his instrumental role in the growth of NLC Bharat reflect the aspirations of Bharat’s democratic leadership to evolve continuously, embrace innovation, and represent the nation with pride and purpose.