President Pranab Mukherjee warns against deviation from Constitutional principles

NEW DELHI: President Pranab Mukherjee today warned that any deviation from the Constitutional principles and provisions would weaken the democratic fabric of the country and "jeopardise" social, economic and political well being of citizens.

In his opening remark at the 46th Governors Conference here, the President said Constitution was the only guiding document for providing framework for governance and asked governors to ensure peace and communal harmony.

"Every Indian looks forward to the Constitution as the guarantor of liberties, freedom and equality. Any deviation from the principles and provisions embodied in the Constitution would weaken the democratic fabric of the country and jeopardise the social, economic and political well-being of our citizens," he said.

The President said the Governors and Lt. Governors have the "primary responsibility" to ensure that the affairs of the states and Union Territories are conducted strictly in accordance with the letter and spirit of this hallowed document.

"Prevalence of peace and communal harmony must be ensured," he said at the inauguration of the two-day conference which was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other cabinet ministers.