Shun political violence, President Kovind tells State

Says it does little justice to the glorious tradition of the State

Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 06/08/2018:: President Ram Nath Kovind inaugurating the 'Festival of Democracy' to mark the conclusion of the diamond jubilee celebrations of the Legislative Assembly in Thiruvananthapuram on Monday. Governor P.Sathasivam, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Speaker P. Sreeramakrishnan, Opposition Leader Ramesh Chennithala, Cultural Minister A,K,Balan and Deputy Speaker Sasi are also seen....Photo:S_Gopakumar.

President Ram Nath Kovind has called upon all political groups and citizens to do their utmost to curb political violence, which has no place in the Constitution.

“The people of Kerala and the citizens of India deserve that we do serious thinking on the issue” that does little justice to the glorious tradition of the State, Mr. Kovind said while inaugurating the Festival on Democracy, a series of national-level conclaves organised to mark the conclusion of diamond jubilee of the Legislative Assembly here on Monday.

The history of debate, mutual dignity and respect for others’ point of view had been the hallmark of Kerala society. This has influenced the conduct of the Assembly too. But there remains the paradox of political violence in some regions of the State.

Debate, dissent and disagreement are perfectly acceptable and should be welcomed in polity. But violence has no place in the Constitution. The Festival on Democracy should give due thought to the issue, he said.

From land reforms to Panchayati Raj, literacy and health care, the State has gained a lot and the Assembly had augmented it through legislations. Social sector investments had helped talented Keralites to make substantial contributions to the national economy and also in different parts of the world. These accomplishments were known as the Kerala model, he said.

The next stage of Kerala Model should be to ensure greater opportunities for the youth in the State itself. The gap in the incubation of entrepreneurial and business capacities should be addressed. This was in spite of the fact that youngsters from the State are accepted all over as teachers, health-care providers, technologists, diligent workers in construction and other sectors and also in the tourism industry, he said.

Mr. Kovind also hailed the role of leaders like E.M.S. Namboodiripad, R. Sankar, C. Achutha Menon, V.R. Krishna Iyer, K. Karunakaran, E.K. Nayanar, V.S. Achuthanandan, and K.R. Gouri, who he described as one among the most respected politicians in independent India, and others who had played a pivotal role in strengthening the House through their contribution and rare calibre.

Governor P. Sathasivam presided. Speaker P. Sreeramakrishnan welcomed the gathering and Deputy Speaker V. Sasi proposed a vote of thanks.