President Pranab Mukherjee made a strong pitch Tuesday for the smooth functioning of both Houses of Parliament, stressing that the “democratic temper depends on debate and discussion, and not disrupti
President Pranab Mukherjee made a strong pitch Tuesday for the smooth functioning of both Houses of Parliament, stressing that the “democratic temper depends on debate and discussion, and not disruptions”. After the near washout of Rajya Sabha proceedings both in the Monsoon and Winter Sessions, the President’s remark takes on a lot of significance at a time when the Narendra Modi-led NDA government is unable to push its legislative agenda.
In his customary address to a joint sitting of both Houses of Parliament, Mr Mukherjee took note of the frequent disruptions and obstruction of Parliament. He suggested members of Parliament function in a spirit of cooperation, reminding them that Parliament “reflects the supreme will of the people”.
Separately, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, speaking to reporters, expressed the hope that the Budget Session will be fruitful and utilised for constructive debate.
Mr Modi added that “friends” from some Opposition parties had shown a “positive” attitude in various interactions. Mr Modi, incidentally, also said the “Opposition should severely criticise the government and highlight its shortcomings, which will only strengthen democracy”.
The Budget Session begins at a time when the Opposition is training its guns at the government over the suicide by dalit student Rohith Vemula at Hyderabad University, the row over JNU, and the violent agitation for reservations by Jats in Haryana.
While the President didn’t touch on these contentious issues, he said the government will constantly strive for the smooth conduct of parliamentary business. “Our Parliament reflects the supreme will of the people. The democratic temper calls for debate and discussion, and not disruption or obstruction. I urge all members to discharge their solemn responsibilities in a spirit of cooperation and mutual accommodation. Let us all collectively endeavour to build a flourishing and prosperous India,” said Mr Mukherjee, reminding MPs they owe a debt to freedom fighters, which should be paid by collectively working for the development of the country.
The President spoke for about 75 minutes. He highlighted the government’s achievements and shared statistics to drive home the point that the interests of the poor were being looked after well by the Centre. Mr Mukherjee said India was “a haven of stability” in a turbulent global economy. He also said the government was taking steps for a “mutually respectful relationship” with Pakistan, while underlining that “firm and effective” steps would be taken to deal with any situation arising out of cross-border terrorism. He congratulated the security forces for foiling the recent terror attack at the Pathankot airbase.
The Opposition said the President’s address was “disappointing” and criticised it over its silence on major issues like the JNU row, the “misuse” of sedition laws and the Jat quota stir. The CPI(M) said the President’s address had covered everything except “major issues like the price rise, JNU and the Jat agitation” and the party will move amendments to it to raise these serious matters.
“I heard the President’s address in Parliament. He spoke about the government’s achievement but nothing on the Rohith issue or what’s happening in the universities,” said Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi.
