Legislatures look like combat arenas: President

New Delhi, Aug 14 (IANS) President Pranab Mukherjee Wednesday expressed disappointment that legislatures looked more like "combat arenas" rather than fora that legislate and said the nation's institutions must be respected and the delicate balance between them maintained.

"Institutions are a mirror of national character. Today we see widespread cynicism and disillusionment with the governance and functioning of institutions in our country. Our legislatures look more like combat arenas, rather than fora that legislate," the president said in his Independence Day speech, referring to frequent disruptions in the workings of parliament and state legislatures, combative behaviour on the part of lawmakers, including instances of demonstrative violence, and failure to pass laws that are their primary function.

"Our constitution provides a delicate balance of power between various institutions of the state. This balance has to be maintained. We need a parliament that debates, discusses and decides. We need a judiciary that gives justice without delays," he said.

"We need leadership that is committed to the nation and those values that made us a great civilization. We need a state that inspires confidence among people in its ability to surmount challenges before us.

"We need a media and citizens who, even as they claim their rights, are equally committed to their responsibilities," he said.

What a hypocrite our President is?

He is the person who negotiated with the civil rights group led by Anna Hazare and assured them that Parliament would pass the Lok Pal bill as they wanted.

But when it came to passing the bill he was in the forefront digging jokes and passing snide remarks at the group and the bill is jettisoned.

What does civil society want?

It wants the government and all its department to work honestly.

Is it asking too much?

No!

But the government makes it appear as if we are asking for their lives.

The second point is we want that criminals should not enter Parliament and the assemblies as they are the law making bodies.

Is this asking for too much?

No!

But the President makes it appear that we are asking his party for the moon.

The Supreme Court is trying to help them by freeing them from the clutches of these convicts.

Instead our MPs, want to reverse the Supreme Court's judgement.

Tell me Mr. President, why are you surprised at the events in Parliament?

You shouldn't be for Parliament is made up of 30% criminals and the balance 70% support them.

That means they are 100% criminals.

And what can you expect of criminals - just noise - no productive work.