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Pranab Mukherjee reminisces career in politics in farewell ceremony, advises sitting MPs

Members of Parliament bid adieu to outgoing President Pranab Mukherjee at a gala ceremony in the Central Hall of Parliament

FP Staff July 23, 2017 22:23:10 IST
Members of Parliament on Sunday bid adieu to outgoing President Pranab Mukherjee at a gala ceremony in the Central Hall of Parliament, as leaders recalled his contribution in upholding democratic values. PTI
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Members of Parliament on Sunday bid adieu to outgoing President Pranab Mukherjee at a gala ceremony in the Central Hall of Parliament, as leaders recalled his contribution in upholding democratic values. PTI
Eighty one-year-old Mukherjee was received by Vice-President Hamid Ansari, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar for the farewell ceremony. PTI
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Eighty one-year-old Mukherjee was received by Vice-President Hamid Ansari, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar for the farewell ceremony. PTI
Mukherjee said he "greatly benefited" from the advice and cooperation extended Modi at "every step". “With passion and energy, he (Modi) is driving transformational changes in the country. I will carry with fond memories of our association and his warm and courteous behaviour," he said. PTI
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Mukherjee said he "greatly benefited" from the advice and cooperation extended Modi at "every step". “With passion and energy, he (Modi) is driving transformational changes in the country. I will carry with fond memories of our association and his warm and courteous behaviour," he said. PTI
He asked the members to avoid frequent disruptions in Parliament, saying it hurt the Opposition more. "During my years in Parliament, I learnt that it stands for debate, discussion and dissent. I also learnt that disruptions hurt the Opposition more," he said. PTI
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He asked the members to avoid frequent disruptions in Parliament, saying it hurt the Opposition more. "During my years in Parliament, I learnt that it stands for debate, discussion and dissent. I also learnt that disruptions hurt the Opposition more," he said. PTI
In his speech, Mukherjee also said the government should avoid the ordinance route and it should be reserved only for compelling circumstances. "It should not be taken for matters being considered for discussion (in Parliament)," he added. PTI
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In his speech, Mukherjee also said the government should avoid the ordinance route and it should be reserved only for compelling circumstances. "It should not be taken for matters being considered for discussion (in Parliament)," he added. PTI
He also expressed concern over the declining amount of time spent in lawmaking, saying Parliament should adequately scrutinise and debate laws before they are enacted. Mukherjee is presented a coffee-table book by Ansari and Mahajan during his farewell ceremony. PTI
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He also expressed concern over the declining amount of time spent in lawmaking, saying Parliament should adequately scrutinise and debate laws before they are enacted. Mukherjee is presented a coffee-table book by Ansari and Mahajan during his farewell ceremony. PTI
Regarding his terms as president, Mukherjee said, "As President, I have tried to protect, preserve and defend the Constitution, not just in letter, but in spirit as well." PTI
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Regarding his terms as president, Mukherjee said, "As President, I have tried to protect, preserve and defend the Constitution, not just in letter, but in spirit as well." PTI
He concluded by saying, "I leave this magnificent building with a rainbow of memories and a sense of fulfilment and happiness of having served the people of this country as their humble servant." PTI
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He concluded by saying, "I leave this magnificent building with a rainbow of memories and a sense of fulfilment and happiness of having served the people of this country as their humble servant." PTI