This refers to the article, “Mukherjee's footprints at the Raisina Hill” (June 21) by Kalyani Shankar. Pranab Mukherjee may not has been a ‘people's President’; but it cannot be disputed that he has been a ‘perfect President’ who brought six decades of political experience with him. Mukherjee's erudition was his asset and his dignified ways, high learning. Expertise as a ‘troubleshooter’ for the Congress seemed to have made his job as President easy. His political will came to the forefront when he disposed off mercy petitions, unlike some of his predecessors — and by the end of his tenure, there are hardly any pending petitions left.
Mukherjee appeared to have gelled well with both Manmohan Singh and Narendra Modi — two Prime Ministers with contrasting working styles. That Mukherjee had cultivated good working relations with both, was amply evident by the way they treated the President. All doubting Thomases had to scurry for cover when Mukherjee and Modi developed an instant rapport devoid of animosity. Though the President left no stone unturned in giving a piece of his mind when occasion demanded, by the same token he did not forego any chance to heap encomiums on the Government. The President's description of Modi as a ‘quick learner’ showed Mukherjee was not averse to speaking his mind.