Stay dedicated to democracy, President Ram Nath Kovind tells legislators

GANDHINAGAR: President Ram Nath Kovind has asked legislators to remain committed towards ideals of democracy. The greatest challenge for democratic institutions and people's representatives was to rise up to people's expectations, he said in his inaugural address to the 80{+t}{+h} All India Presiding Officers Conference in Gujarat's Kevadia on Wednesday.

"With rise in public aspirations and awareness, responsibilities of legislators have increased. People expect leaders to follow parliamentary traditions. When representatives use unparliamentary language or disrupt the House, people are hurt," he said.

"The Opposition and the government had an important role to play in a democracy. Harmony, cooperation and constructive dialogue were important. Presiding officers had a responsibility to provide a conducive environment for constructive debate in the House and encourage decorous behaviour and discussion," he said.


Speaking on the occasion, Rajya Sabah chairman M Venkaiah Naidu said none of the three organs of the state can assume supremacy. He gave several examples to show 'judicial overreach' and emphasised that the executive, the legislature and the judiciary should remain in their domain, which will lead to harmony and ensure the nation's progress.