Looking back at Pranab Mukherjee’s term as President of India as he lays down office at the end of his five-year term, it has been free of histrionics and memorable for the dignity and sobriety he lent to the high office. Pranab da, as he was affectionately called, was a Congressman for six decades but it is to his credit that never once did he give cause for thinking that he was not discharging his duties impartially.
He candidly acknowledged that as is natural, it was not that he never had any differences of approach with the political dispensation but those were resolved without much ado in the right spirit and in the highest traditions of democratic functioning. His wide experience of public life came in handy for those in government who sought his counsel on issues of importance. Pranab da was meticulous at work and his successor Ram Nath Kovind will find that he has not left behind any major uncleared files for him to work on. As during his political career, Mukherjee was essentially low key and non-controversial.
Vice-President Hamid 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 outgoing President also stressed upon pluralism and diversity “as the greatest strength” of the country. Pranab Mukherjee had words of advice for parliamentarians principally on two issues. He appealed to them to avoid frequent disruptions in Parliament saying it hurt the opposition more.
This was pertinent advice because it has become a pattern for members of Parliament to disrupt proceedings and even raise slogans from the Well of the House. The time lost in disruptions can well be utilized by the Opposition to put the government on the mat on issues with strong arguments which would find favour with people at large and would thereby strengthen the edifice of democracy. The second advice was on the need for the government to avoid the ordinance route as it should be reserved only for compelling circumstances. This too is food for serious thought.
