Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Wednesday regretted that Parliament could not be run smoothly and sought the constructive cooperation of all the political parties in this regard.
“It is the job of not only the ruling party but all the political parties to cooperate constructively in running the House. We should work together to make Parliament live up to the role and ideals that our founding fathers envisioned for it.”
Presents award
Presenting “The Best Administrator in India Award-2011” instituted by the (former Kerala Chief Minister) K. Karunakaran Foundation, to Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee at a function here, Dr. Singh said Mr. Mukherjee's knowledge of parliamentary matters was stupendous. The wide respect he commanded and his long association with the political leaders across the spectrum had proved invaluable in conducting the parliamentary business. “It is unfortunate that despite our best efforts, Parliament has not been running smoothly.”
Mr. Mukherjee, much like Karunakaran, was a politician of the old school. “There are few people in our politics today who can match his [Mr. Mukherjee's] long and exemplary record of public service.” All those who knew him were familiar with his vast knowledge, prodigious memory and capacity for sustained hard work, he said.
Dr. Singh praised Mr. Mukherjee's trouble-shooting skills for the successful management of the UPA.
“In running the government, Mr. Mukherjee has been my most valued colleague. We have consulted closely on all important decisions of our government. I wish to thank him personally for all that he has done to help the government function effectively and cohesively.”
Right mixture
On Karunakaran, Dr. Singh said he had exemplified the ideal traits that go into the making of a great political leader. He had the right mixture of political and administrative acumen, love for his people and the vision of a great patriot and a great nation builder.
Mr. Mukherjee thanked Dr. Singh for his strongest support to him all these years “accommodating my quick temper and short temper.”
In a lighter vein, he said the Congress itself was more than a coalition and from Karunakaran he had learnt how to manage two coalitions at the same time — one within the party and the other for running the government with the allies.
Defence Minister A.K. Antony said Karunakaran's contributions to the development of Kerala and the Congress were unforgettable. The late leader was a real leader in every respect.
Minister of State for Power K.C. Venugopal said Mr. Mukherjee was the first recipient of the award.
Ramesh Chennithala, president of the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee, which runs the foundation, could not participate in the function due to ill-health.
