M A I N   N E W S

Pranab: Elect a stable govt to ensure security, development
Tribune News Service

New Delhi, August 14
Underscoring that a way out of the current state of disillusionment exists in the form of electing a stable government, President Pranab Mukherjee today reminded the people that the next General Election would offer an opportunity to elect a government that could ensure both security and economic development.

"Institutions are a mirror of national character. Today we see widespread cynicism and disillusionment with the governance and functioning of institutions in our country. Our legislatures look more like combat arenas, rather than fora that legislate. Corruption has become a major challenge. Precious resources of the nation are being wasted through indolence and indifference. It is sapping the dynamism of our society. We need to correct this regression," the President said in his address to the nation on the eve of the 67th Independence Day.

The president, who, during the past one year, has been advising different branches of the state to maintain the balance of power as envisaged in the Constitution, reiterated the message stating that the country needs a Parliament that debates, discusses and decides, a judiciary that gives justice without delay and a leadership that is committed to the nation and values that made India a great civilisation. "We need a state that inspires confidence among people in its ability to surmount challenges before us. We need a media and citizens who, even as they claim their rights, are equally committed to their responsibilities," he said.

Juxtaposing the predicament before the people, towards the end of his address, he reminded that the country would go to the polls before he got to address the nation on the next Independence Day. "This great festival of democracy is an opportunity for us to elect a stable government that will ensure security and economic development. Every election must become a crucial milestone in our nation's journey towards greater social harmony, peace and prosperity," he added.

The president said democracy gave the country an opportunity to recreate another golden age and urged the people not to fritter away the extraordinary opportunity. He said the journey ahead called for wisdom, courage and determination. "We must work on across-the-board revival of our values and institutions. We must realise that rights go with responsibilities. We must rediscover the virtue of self-scrutiny and self-restraint."

Turning to the Bhagvad Gita, he recited a quote 'ÿatha icchasi tatha kuru" (even as you choose, so you do). "I do not wish to impose my views on you. I have presented to you what I think is right. Now it is for your conscience, for your judgment, for your mind to decide what is right," he said.