President Pranab Mukherjee’s address to the joint session of Parliament Monday was drastically different from the past ones on one count — the names that echoed in his speech. While Nehru and the Gandhis dominated past presidential addresses as icons, Mukherjee’s speech on Monday began with quoting Syama Prasad Mookherjee, founder of Jana Sangh, to drive home the point that the BJP-led government would focus on inclusive growth. “Dr Syama Prasad Mookherjee had said ‘The greatest strength of India is her rich spiritual and civilizational heritage’. The core values of our civilization emphasises universal good. The fundamental tenet of my government is Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas (All Together, Development of All),” he said. He also quoted Jana Sangh chief Deendayal Upadhyay, former Jan Sangh and Janata Party general secretary Nanaji Deshmukh and former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee. While speaking on poverty and development, Mukherjee recalled Upadhyaya. “Development is actualised only when the last person gets a sense of fulfillment, especially, regarding his minimum needs. Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya had laid emphasis on holistic development of every human being.” Two Congress stalwarts — Sardar Patel and Madan Mohan Malviya — did find a mention, but both have been co-opted by the Sangh Parivar. Mukherjee concluded his speech with, “Ek Bharat Shresth Bharat”, which was the theme of BJP’s manifesto in 2014 Lok Sabha elections.
