In Pranab Mukherjee, India will have a knowledgeable and pragmatic President who is well-versed in constitutional procedures and practices, and who was, until his nomination as a candidate by the ruling coalition, an active politician and senior Union Minister. Unlike Pratibha Patil, who was out of active politics long before she became President, A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, who was a genuinely non-political person in the best sense of the term, and K.R. Narayanan, Shanker Dayal Sharma and R. Venkataraman, who served as Vice-President before they entered Rashtrapati Bhavan, Mr. Mukherjee is making the switch from active politics and governance to the office of President in next to no time. The last time this happened was when Zail Singh moved out as Union Home Minister a month before becoming President in 1982. What this means is every action of Mr. Mukherjee in the discharge of presidential duties will be scrutinised for political partisanship. Under the Indian Constitution, the President has no executive role to play, but his or her actions — whether, for instance, in approving Bills or sending these back for reconsideration, or in forming a new government or in asking the incumbent to face a vote of confidence — have political import. The President is no rubber stamp, and is not required to sign on the dotted line irrespective of the issue at hand. While there are strict statutory limits to his discretion, his advisory or cautionary role is well recognised by the Constitution.
The most critical test for Mr. Mukherjee as President will no doubt come in 2014 after the general election to the Lok Sabha. As in the last couple of decades, no one party is likely to get a majority of its own, and the bigger parties would have to depend on the support of alliance partners or new-found friends. Venkataraman in 1989 and Sharma in 1996 followed the principle of inviting the leader of the single largest party to form the government. Rajiv Gandhi declined the invitation in 1989; Atal Bihari Vajpayee accepted the invitation, but lasted as Prime Minister on that occasion for just 13 days. With these examples behind him, Narayanan insisted on letters of support from a claimant party’s allies before extending it an invitation to form the government. While this looks like the most sensible approach after elections with a fractured mandate, in India there is no such thing as a settled convention. But historical precedents have a way of exerting a pull on the present. As President of India, Mr. Mukherjee would know how to fall back on traditions and conventions when necessary and when to look for fresh ways to break new impasses or constitutional deadlocks.
Your Editorial. Pranab Mukharjee is an accomplished and experienced politician. He should not do a clumsy Zail Singh and resist the temptation to invite the son or daughter of his benefactor to form the Government should a situation arise. He should invite the senior most cabinet minister, just as he felt in 1984. RHR
First of all, I congratulate The 13th president of Indian nation as Paranab Mukherji. we got a more talented president long ago after
rajendra prasad and radhakrinan, we should accept them and we hope he
will give a great success platform to india,we should not flowthrough
anti party
As Mr. Mukherjee has been a seasoned and matured parliamentarian and with rich experience as senior minister country in this critical testing time of concern , commitment and good governance expects him to be above party politics and keep nation in mind. In this process, he should fall back on traditions and conventions when necessary and look for fresh ways to break new impasses or constitutional deadlocks without fear or favor. Every body is aware of the selfish-motive of Ms Sonia Gandhi and congress party to use Mr Mukherji for her party in a testing time to bless after 2014 election just to form the Government so that she can purchase MPs at fabulous cost just as she has done by purchasing Mr Mulayam Singh in two cases. Future generations will love if he is absolutely loyal to constitution or hate on his loyalty to party. He has plenty of avenues to resolve crises since country has able judiciary and six decades of experience. Dr Amrit Patel
THe new president has been very active in coalition ploitics during the past few years, and
So it will not be difficult for him to play his new role as the constitunal head of the nation.
He played a very dignified role in the recent elections for selecting the first citizen and was
Very careful in his utterances and action. For a seasoned leader. It will not be difficult to
Unlearn the ministers role and learn the role of the friend, philosopher and guide to protect
The image of India. Salutations and prayers to the president. C.P.Chandra Das,
Coimbatore 36
Pranab Mukherjee as Finance Minister did not reveal the names of Indians holding Swiss Bank accounts saying that it would result in double taxation which the Opposition particularly Yeshwant Sinha insisted that it was not actually the case.Mr.Mukherjee also cited that revealing names would be breach of trust the Swiss authorities reposed in the Indian Govt. and thus saying he steadfastly stood his ground not to reveal names.If it was never to be revealed,what was the rationale in assiduously pursuing and obtaining names from Swiss authorities? In a vital area of economic interest to India Pranabjee denied the Indian electorate the opportunity to know the true colour of politicians/businessmen so as to take right decision during elections.In this Pranab was open to criticism that as FM he was shielding wrong doers.One would expect that such kind of protectionist attitude would be cast aside by him as President of India.
This is all about he can do but not he will do.Isn't it?
Lets hope he serves his best to his country.Pranab Mukherjee deserves to be the President of India for his knowledge and experience but may or maybe not for his commitment or sincerity.It can only be known when he works as a president.So lets hope the best to come.All the best Pranab Mukherjee.
It is not correct that Mr R.Venkatraman invited the largest party to form the Government in 1989. He himself disclosed in his "My Presidential Year" that he advised Rajiv Gandhi not to stake claim as Congress was the single largest party at that time. Rajiv accepted his advice and thus the embrassment for the President came to an end. Then only he invited V.P.Singh to form the Government. But Dr Sankar Dayal Sharma is the President who upheld the Convention of calling the single largest party to form the Govt. Though he knew that Sri vajpayee could not provide a stable government, he invited to him to form the Govt and hence Sri Vajpayee could not continue in office for more than 13 days!
Our Parliamentary system is basically modeled on the British one.But in its actual day today workings they SEEM to be different for the reason that theirs is two party system while ours multiparty one with attendant aberrations. India could not mature into three or four party dispensation due to the greed of politicians to lead their own parties to serve their personal interests.The pre-Presidential poll oscillations of leaders bore witness to this.If only there are just 3 or 4 political parties in the country,there may not be as fractured verdicts as we have been witnessing election after election.We are long long away from that desirable denouement of very few political parties competing.Multiplicity of parties in the electoral arena only results in fractured verdicts making the country's President vulnerable to criticism during formation of new governments as opposed to British monarch ALWAYS enjoying care free environ after elections.
I feel very proud that a person like him is elected as the 13th
president of India. In his political career he his a very good
negotatior with the other party's. When congress party was in a trouble
he is the man who saved the party from crisis. I wish him best of luck
for the future.
This has reference to your editorial, ‘Pranab as President’. It is true that “every action of Mr.Mukherjee will be scrutinized for political partisanship”. There is more truth that, whether Mukherjee or anybody else, partisanship is bound to be felt, not only political but also religious, communal, regional and many personal counts. The statutory limits now available do not look ‘strict’ and sufficient. As the Apex court itself pointed out effective and exhaustive rules have to be framed, though it is difficult in all cases. Any number of misuse of the spirit and meaning of the Constitution by Governors is before us. The President is perhaps the biggest of Governors.
First of all I congratulate Mr. Pranab Mukherjee on being elected India's next president. I sincerely hope that Pranabda will use his vast political experience and deep knowledge of Indian constitution to do justice to his new job. Though an Indian President is generally regarded as no more than a nominal executive head of state who is duty bound to act on the advice of his ministers, former Presidents like K.R. Narayanan broke new grounds by refusing to toe government's line and asking the council of ministers to review their decisions. It can be hoped that Pranabda will uphold the legacy of such presidents and will carry out his duties in the true spirit of Indian constitution.
Pranab Mukherjee deserves to be the President of India in view of his experiences, knowledge and the support he receives from majority Indians.In a way, since he has sailed through the numerous ' crests and troughs' of political currents,we have confidence and hope that his role will make a big difference in coming days for the country. we wish him all the best!
The election of Pranab Dada as the 13th First Citizen of India reflects the maturity and
wisdom of our constitutional system based on democracy.He has all the experiences of a
teacher,political acumen inherited from his father,diplomacy by global contacts,mediator in
all crises and above all a trouble shooter.Pranab Dada will be a jewel in the chair of
President of India.Let us wish him good health,good mind and good spirit.
what people are expecting from our President? what kind of landmark
decision he took while he has the most important portfolios. now while
he is mere a constitutional head let him take rest in luxurious
Rastrapati Bhavan. After all he served the country so vigorously.
For the last few days NCP was reported to be seriously thinking of leaving UPA and giving
the latter outside support, and had in fact given a deadline till Monday (23-07-2012 ) that too
after a meeting Mr. Pawar and Praful with Sonia Gandhi, over its alleged grievances of not
being given its rightful place by Dr. Singh's government. In the forenoon the two NCP
leaders had a meeting with Mr.Pranab Mukherjee. Later NCP leaders met at Pawars
residence and at the end of the meeting the NCP declares that they will continue to remain
part of the UPA till 2014. Now the hitherto well knownchief trouble shooter of the Congress
Party has exited the stage. Who is the new trouble shooter, behind this truce, after such an
aggressive posturing by the NCP barely 24 hours before?
Pranab Mukherjee will be a good president, if he keeps his mind focused on development
work in India. He has the talent of staying as a non-partisan observer, while weighing out
priorities in politics. A colossal number of 49.8% of Indians defecate out in the open for they
have no option. One good way is to allow more say to local governments of all the 500,000
villages nationwide. India must change the lives of 680 millions that are hovering below the
poverty line. Then the next big initiative must be to revive, nurture and work harder for
friendship and unity and more trade relationship with China. Then two of them together
India and China working jointly to improve South-South Asian Market and bring all the
neighbours closely together! Well what a massive Market it will be, and what opportunities
are waiting for us all. Western countries only work in their own interests, make no mistake
of that. They are not so charitable as they claim they are!! So watch out Mr President!!
Its good to see a powerful man in RASHTRAPATI BHAWAN.
But need to look how this stalwart going to change it from a ceremonial post to a whistle blower for people and have a bulls - eye on Govt ineffectiveness.
Have lots of hopes from Pranav Da.
Mr. Pranav Mukherjee being the president of India is now free from all
the shackles of political parties or politics.He is now one the
foremost ingredient of Indian Parliament apart from Loksabha and Rajya
Sabha.He has now vested with the power to protect the constitutional
bodies and all. A president must not have any excuse while protecting
the republic according to the mandate of the constitution.He must not
follow the murky path of politics either being a rubber stamp.A
president can inject a vision to the republic,can lead the glorious
path of truth and can assure a positive outlook of country with
dignity.Pranab Da has now have the responsibility to prove the
fruitfulness of the apex institution and the post of epitome.
well knowledge about constitution and policies.....well this knowledge can be also be used for other ways too for finding loop holes in policies etc......pranab is congress personal man.....so,the president of India is appointed(come on president election is a joke) by congress...indias biggest scamsters.....one intelligent man is dangerous than hundred fools.....god save our country
The Congress high command must be very pleased that they have managed to side-track the most eligible candidate from their party from the PM's job ahead of the 2014 elections. The anti-incumbency factor would work for Manmohan Singh, and I suspect the Congress would simply use this ruse to project Rahul Gandhi as their prime-ministerial candidate. And no questions will be asked since they've already made the orchestrated show of cabinet ministers clamouring for Rahul to assume "greater responsibilities". I can't imagine how much worse this so-called Indian democracy can get.
The editorial is right in saying that the true test of President Pranab would be
during the 2014 Lok Sabha elections.We hope he sets new highs in his tenure as
Presedent as he did while serving in the cabinet.
Mr. Pranav Mukherjee being the president of India is now free from all
the shackles of political parties or politics.He is now one the
foremost ingredient of Indian Parliament apart from Loksabha and Rajya
Sabha.He has now vested with the power to protect the constitutional
bodies and all. A president must not have any excuse while protecting
the republic according to the mandate of the constitution.He must not
follow the murky path of politics either being a rubber stamp.A
president can inject a vision to the republic,can lead the glorious
path of truth and can assure a positive outlook of country with
dignity.Pranab Da has now have the responsibility to prove the
fruitfulness of the apex institution and the post of epitome.
All knowledge and experience of Mr. President (Pranab) would be a waste
if he would, as anticipated by mass, work for UPA. He should act and
play his role independently for the betterment of Indian Democracy.
He is a crusader. He indirectly admits that the Constitution is/being
in danger and he has come to protect it. What a commitment after
getting elected on congress ticket. Is it not a betrayal to
congress.?!!!!
Mr. Pranab mukherjee is the best for presidential seat. He was a good administrate as well as a finance minister.
Mr. Pranab Mukheree is an authority on FINANCE. His wisdom and experience will go a long way in giving advice to the Government of India on key economic issues, though the Government may not take them. Nevertheless, he can suggest ways and means to tone up the economy from time to time during his speeches in various functions. The Government may thus get the right message to deal with intricate financial problems. He has had a long inning in various departments of the Government. He was also instrumental in shaping decisions on various issues. Naturally, therefore, he will perform as an able President and his views may be heard by the Government on key issues. He is also expected to give clear directions to the youth in shaping their destiny.
The editorial is quite off net when it says that the President is no rubber stamp. On the contrary, he is nothing but a rubber stamp of the highest grade. Any President who refuses to be otherwise faces the risk of being turfed out from Rashtrapati Bhavan. Thus no President to date has crossed the Lakshman Rekha laid down for him by the Cabinet. Some issues make worthy consideration. What prevented the President, for instance, to directly order the Army Chief to deploy the army for preventing the 1984 and 2002 massacres of innocent Sikhs and Muslims respectively, or the Babri Masjid demolition; or pushing through the One-Rank-One-Pension case for the armed forces personnel whose supreme commander he is supposed to be? What prevents him from rejecting the Home Ministry's advice in commuting the death sentence of brutal rapists cum murderers? The list is endless. The editorial requires a re-think.
Historical precedents must have taught the voters that opportunistic coalitions that cripple the functioning of the government for the betterment of lives of the people, will no longer be suitable in India , if the country with its vast potential were to be counted upon as one among the super powers in the world.further, unlike the past decades, the voter awareness has remarkably increased thanks to a vibrant media and the high percentage of younger generation voters who see politics as a vehicle for development of the country and not merely as a business venture to make money by all means at the cost of the development of the nation and the welfare of the people. India is an evolving democracy. It is therefore only reasonable to expect that in the next decade, India will vote for only those parties having an all India presence and image to rule it and not fringe groups or regional outfits that donot hesitate to hold the nation to ransom at the drop of the hat!
Mr.PRANAB MUKHERJEE is our 13th PRESIDENT OF INDIA.Undoubtedly,he is a
knowledgeable person who knows how our system works.Now a days PRESIDENT
is no longer a rubber stamp.In a situation of hung parliament he has to
play a crucial role.He must protect THE CONSTITUTION OF INDIA.
The Hindu's Editorial is hundred percent correct . As President of India, Mr. Mukherjee would know how to fall back on traditions and conventions when necessary and when to look for fresh ways to break new impasses or constitutional deadlocks. I hope His Excellency will excel in all difficult situations upholding the conventions either following or not following the precedents to protect the Constitution and the Republic of India.
Mr President, your transition from being a Minister of the President to the post of the President of the Republic should bring a transition in your way of thinking too. Foremost among them is that yor are no longer beholden to the Gandhi family and their party - Congress. If you could get yourself out of this mindset the ealrier, the better it is for the country. Everyone predicts that you will give Congress the first refusal should there be a hung parliament in 2014. There are many a bridges you will have to negotiate before 2014. Dr Singh is not able to tackle the issue of corruption in Governemnt while your predecessor was a mute spectator - the people in all walks of life would expect you to tackle this issue as an impartial witness to the bleeding of the country. Your experience as a seasoned politician and administrator should assist you in this. You wanted to be an Horse in the Rashtrapathi Bhavan stables enjoying the greenery with no work. Well the new home is no bed of roses.
Irrespective of the many qualifications of Mr.Mukherjee detailed in the editorial, he will carry to the Rashtrapathi Bhavana the stigma of his not being able to stop as Finance Minister the financial mega scams in which some Central ministers are allegedly involved.
I hope that Mr. Pranab Mukherjee as the President of India will work for the protecction of democracy and human rights in India. He shall be one of the best presidents of India . He will be successful in protecting and preserving the constitution of India with his vast experience as a statesman . The election results show his popularity all over India .
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