In an emotional farewell speech, outgoing President Pranab Mukherjee on Sunday expressed concern over the declining time devoted to legislation in Parliament saying “Parliament stands for debate, discussion,” and that “dissent and disruption hurt the Opposition more”. He also asked the Government to avoid taking the Ordinance route often.
The President also remembered his “mentor”, late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi as a “towering personality” who “called a spade a spade”.
Mukherjee, in his address to MPs, recalled his distinguished journey from being a Congress legislator in West Bengal to holding the country’s top constitutional post and reminded the MPs of their duties.
The 81-year-old Mukherjee was received by Vice-President Hamid Ansari, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar at the Central Hall of Parliament.
Expressing concern over the declining time devoted to legislation in Parliament, Mukherjee had advice for both the Government and the Opposition.
“Parliament stands for debate, discussion and dissent and disruption hurt the Opposition more”.
“I’ve devoted 37 years of my life as Parliamentarian. I was just 34 years old when I got an opportunity to serve the nation with seasoned campaigners,” he said, adding, “As the President, I have tried to protect, preserve and defend the Constitution, not just in letter but in spirit as well”.
Mukherjee also said the Government should avoid the Ordinance route as it should be reserved only for compelling circumstances.
“Ordinance route should only be adopted in compelling circumstances,” Mukherjee said.
Hailing passage of the GST Bill, President Mukherjee said that it shows the “maturity of our democracy”.
Remembering his “mentor”, former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi as a “towering personality”, Mukherjee said, “My career was mentored by Mrs Indira Gandhi who was a towering personality. She had the courage to call a spade a spade.”
Relating an interesting incident that happened in london after the Congress’ defeat post the Emergency, Mukherjee recalled that after the Congress’ and her own defeat post the Emergency, Indira Gandhi went to london in 1978. A battery of mediapersons, in a fairly aggressive mood were waiting to ask questions.
“The first question was: ‘What had been your gains from EmergencyIJ’ looking directly into the eyes of mediapersons, in a level voice she replied: In those 21 months, we comprehensively managed to alienate all sections of people”, Mukherjee recalled.
“After a few seconds of silence, there was laughter,” he said.
“Nobody after that asked a question about the Emergency and the mediapersons melted away,” he said.
“Indiraji was a lady of steel. Her steeliness inspired me. And Vajpayeeji and Raoji influenced me a lot,” the President said, adding, “At times I followed advice of Advaniji and got unconditional support from Soniaji.”
Mukherjee said, “As the President, I have tried to protect, preserve and defend the Constitution, not just in letter, but in spirit as well.”
He concluded by saying, “I leave this magnificent building with a rainbow of memories and a sense of fulfillment and happiness of having served the people of this country as their humble servant”.
Earlier, lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan and Vice-President Hamid Ansari addressed Parliament and recounted the contributions made by President Mukherjee.
In her speech, Mahajan said, “This is a solemn occasion for each one of us to express our profound respect to President Mukherjee”.
Ansari lauded Mukherjee for his “unshakable belief in the idea of India” and said he often appealed to the people to re-dedicate themselves to the democratic values of the country.
The Vice-President also complimented Mukherjee for the manner in which he essayed the role of the President.
“He brought great distinction and dignity to the top office. His views on national and international issues have enhanced the stature of the office,” he said.