Parliament turning into combat arena: Pranab

‘We reject any attempt to use terrorism as an instrument of State policy’

In the wake of a washout of the monsoon session, President Pranab Mukherjee on Friday delivered a blunt message to the political class, stating that Parliament had been converted into an arena of combat rather than debate.

Addressing the nation on the eve of Independence Day, Mr. Mukherjee quoted from a speech by B.R. Ambedkar in which he pointed out that the Constitution could only provide the organs of the State such as the legislature, executive and judiciary. How they work, he said, would depend on the people of India and the political parties they set up.

“If the institutions of democracy are under pressure, it is time for serious thinking by the people and their parties. The correctives must come from within,” Mr. Mukherjee said.

Mr. Mukherjee said Indian democracy is “creative” because it is plural but diversity must be nourished with tolerance and patience.

He warned against vested interests that chip away at social harmony in an attempt to erode many centuries of socialism.

“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,” he said.

Note of caution

Sounding a cautionary note toward the end of his speech, the President said the roots of India’s vibrant democracy were deep but the leaves were beginning to wilt.

“It is time for renewal. If we do not act now, will our successors seven decades hence remember us with the respect and admiration we have for those who shaped the Indian dream in 1947? The answer may not be comfortable but the question has to be asked.”

Taking a strong stand on cross-border terrorism, the President, in an apparent message to Pakistan, said: “Our neighbours must ensure that their territory is not used by forces inimical to India which rejects any attempt to use terrorism as an instrument of state policy.”

“While we offer our hand willingly in friendship, we cannot stay blind to deliberate acts of provocation and a deteriorating security environment, he said.

“Infiltration into our territory and attempts to create mayhem will be dealt with a strong hand,” he added.