Budget session commences; Pranab & Modi urge smooth, constructive functioning of Parliament

New Delhi

Addressing a joint sitting of both Houses at the onset of the session, Mr Mukherjee said "Our Parliament reflects the supreme will of the people, Democratic temper calls for debate and discussion and not disruption or obstruction. Aa No Bhadra KratvoYantuViswataha (let noble thoughts come from all directions) should be the spirit behind debate in this temple of democracy".

"Being a member of this great institution bestows great honour as well as important responsibilities. My Government will constantly strive for smooth and constructive conduct of Parliamentary business.  I urge all Members of Parliament to discharge their solemn responsibilities in a spirit of cooperation and mutual accommodation. Let us all collectively endeavour to build a flourishing and prosperous India", Mr Mukherjee exhorted.

The President's call for smooth functioning of Parliament also found an echo in Prime Minister Modi's appeal.

In a statement, the Prime Minister expressed hope for a productive session of Parliament.

Mr Modi said, "Hopefully extensive discussion will  be there on issues of people during the session. There should be strong criticism of the government and its shortcomings be highlighted so that democracy in  the country can be strengthened."

The observations by the President and Prime Minister about atmosphere and functioning in Parliament come on the heels of the total washout of two consecutive sessions and also a verbal war of words between the ruling formation and the opposition over a number of issues, including Jat stir, JNU row, debate over nationalism, research scholar Rohit Vemula's suicide, political upheaval in Arunachal Pradesh and the situation in Jammu and Kashmir.

The ongoing row over nationalism, its definition and perspective, also apparently attracted an observation by Mr Mukherjee.

Concluding his address, the President sought to spell out the perception of nationalism and also called upon all to build the nation as envisioned and fought for by freedom fighters.

"We owe a great debt to our freedom fighters. It is time to repay that debt by building the country that they envisioned and fought for. In the words of (revolutionary) Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, Nationalism is inspired by the highest ideals of the human race, Satyam, Shivam, Sundaram. Let us embrace those ideals as we stake our claim on the future," the President said.

The President, in his speech, also gave a call to the people to partner in the growth of the country, presenting an elaborated account of the Government's efforts and initiatives to boost the economy, welfare of various strata including farmers, women, and economically weaker sections, build up infrastructure and environment, pursue pro-active foreign policy, strengthen international security and also evolve strong counter-terrorism measures worldwide.