Thiruvananthapuram: President Ram Nath Kovind has said that political violence was affecting the glorious traditions of Kerala and urged the political parties to curb the trend.
“The political violence in Kerala, especially in some regions of the state, is unfortunate and does little justice to the glorious traditions of the state and its people,” he said. He was inaugurating the ‘Festival on Democracy, a two- day event held as part of the diamond jubilee celebrations of Kerala Legislative Assembly here on Monday.
“The history of debate, mutual dignity and respect for another’s point of view has been a hallmark of Kerala society. It has made Malayalis among the thought leaders of our country. Nevertheless, there remains the paradox of political violence which is unfortunate,” he said.
He hoped that the ‘Festival on Democracy’ would give some thought to ending political violence. “It is important for all political groups and all enlightened citizens to do their utmost to curb the development of such tendencies. Debate, dissent and disagreement are perfectly acceptable and should be welcomed in our polity. But violence has no place in our Constitution. It would be appropriate if we could give some thought to this at a ‘Festival on Democracy.’ The people of Kerala and the citizens of India want that we do serious thinking on the issue,” he said.
The President’s remarks assume significance in the background of the series of political killings that have been happening in the state involving all major political parties, especially the CPM and the BJP-RSS. The BJP Kerala unit had also repeatedly sought central intervention in the matter.
Governor P. Sathasivam said on the occasion that protests against issues should not ignore the basic dignity of the democratic institution and constitutional rights of the members, no matter whether they rule or sit in the opposition. "Legislators have an obligation to set high standards of conduct for future members...The greatest celebration of a democracy is when every ordinary citizen respects democratic values and cultural diversity, stands up for one's legitimate rights and does not succumb to sectarian or communal thought. Our task is to empower our people to rise to such levels of thought and action so that we can truly celebrate our democracy," he said.
Incidentally, the Governor's mention came on the premises of the Assembly complex that witnessed LDF MLAs in the previous Assembly ransacking the Assembly hall and even throwing away the Speaker's chair. The present LDF government has even decided to withdraw a police case in this regard.
The President also said that the next stage of Kerala-model development should ensure greater opportunities for the youth of Kerala in their home state itself. The gap in the incubation of entrepreneurial and business capacities in Kerala itself needs to be addressed by all stakeholders.
Talented people from Kerala have been contributing not just for our nation but in different parts of the world. Young people from Kerala are much sought-after in various sectors like health care, construction and tourism.
Highlighting the religious harmony in the state, the President said that the culture of mutual accommodation in Kerala DNA continued to be preserved. "A person may believe in one faith or the other - or he or she may not believe in any faith at all. That is not important. What is important is that the culture of educated and informed debate and of mutual accommodation that has been part of Kerala's DNA continues to be preserved. It must be preserved in public life and it must be preserved in this Assembly," he said.
Hailing the contributions of Kerala society, the President recollected that Kerala gave to the nation a towering personality like former President K.R. Narayanan, who rose to the highest office from extremely challenging circumstances.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who spoke, lamented the widespread use of social media for spreading falsehoods aimed at fostering hatred and enmity and weakening our democracy. "Sadly, many who fall for such propaganda do not even bother to ascertain the facts. It is worrying that we, who ought to develop a scientific temper and the spirit of inquiry, fall prey to such devious designs,"he said.
Speaker P. Sreeramakrishnan, Opposition Leader Ramesh Chennithala, Law Minister A.K. Balan and Deputy Speaker V. Sasi also spoke. The festival will discuss the topic 'Challenges in the empowerment of SC/ ST in Independent India.'
Guv bats for high standards of conduct
Governor P. Sathasivam said protests against issues should not ignore the basic dignity of the democratic institution and constitutional rights of the members, no matter whether they rule or sit in the opposition. "Legislators have an obligation to set high standards of conduct for future members,” he said.
