Parliament has become an arena of combat: President Pranab Mukherjee

by its leaders, he said, “Our democracy is creative because it is plural, but diversity must be nourished with tolerance and patience. Vested interests chip away at social harmony, in an attempt to erode many centuries of secularism. In an age of instant communication through ever-improving technology, we must remain vigilant to ensure that the devious designs of a few never overcome the essential oneness of our people. For both government and people, the rule of law is sacrosanct, but society is also protected by something greater than law.”

In a scathing observation about Parliamentary disruptions, he said, “The finest inheritance needs constant care for preservation. Our institutions of democracy are under stress. The Parliament has been converted into an arena of combat rather than debate.”

Mukherjee said this “Parliamentary tactic” dates back to a time when he was a minister in the Union cabinet and one of the chief troubleshooters of the then UPA government.

He quoted B R Ambedkar on how organs of the state like the legislature, the executive and the judiciary depend on the people and the political parties. Mukherjee said that if the institutions of democracy are under pressure, it is time for serious thinking by people and parties.

He also mentioned India’s role in enhancing regional cooperation, lauding the Land Boundary Agreement with Bangladesh but also stressing that deliberate acts of provocation and a deteriorating security environment cannot be ignored.

“India is a target of vicious terrorist groups operating from across the borders. Except the language of violence and the cult of evil, these terrorists have no religion and adhere to no ideology. Our neighbours must ensure that their territory is not used by forces inimical to India. Our policy will remain one of zero tolerance for terrorism. We reject any attempt to use terrorism as an instrument of state policy. Infiltration into our territory and attempts to create mayhem will be dealt with a strong hand,” he said.

He also said “economic reforms” are a work in progress and the performance over the last decade has been “commendable”.

“We have recovered to 7.3 per cent growth in 2014-15. But the benefits of growth must reach the poorest of the poor much before they land in the bank accounts of the richest of the rich. We are an inclusive democracy, and an inclusive economy; there is place for everyone in the hierarchy of wealth,” he said.

He also stressed on the need to adopt a ‘Zero Hunger’ challenge in the foreseeable future.