NEW DELHI, July 23: The outgoing president Ram Nath Kovind on Saturday asked the political parties to rise above partisan politics in national interest and decide what was necessary for the welfare of people.
In his farewell address to parliamentarians at Parliament’s Central Hall, Kovind emphasised the value of peace and harmony, saying people have a right to oppose and create pressure to pursue their goals, but their methods must be Gandhian.
His comments assume significance at a time when parliamentary proceedings have been frequently disrupted due to the Opposition’s protests over a number of issues. Kovind said he always considered himself as a part of the larger family, which included the Members of Parliament. “They may have differences at times like any family has, but they should work together for the larger interests of the country,” he said.
Vice-President M. Venkaiah Naidu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla joined the ceremony to bid farewell to the outgoing President whose term ends on Sunday. The president-elect Droupadi Murmu will take oath on Monday as the 15th President of India.
Kovind congratulated Ms. Murmu and said the country would benefit from her guidance and also thanked the people of country for giving him an opportunity to serve in the country’s top constitutional post.
(Manas Dasgupta)
