Kovind must play ideal role as Prez

Ram Nath Kovind, to be sworn in next week, will be an accidental President. He had neither expected not aspired to the position. It is doubtful if the BJP also had planned to nominate him as a candidate till a few weeks before the decision. Once he entered the contest, his election was a foregone conclusion, though the Opposition put up a candidate to make a political point. Presidential elections are also political contests, which the Opposition could not concede to the ruling party without a fight. While that point has been made, it must be noted that Kovind has registered a very convincing victory, scoring about two-thirds of the votes
and winning more support than his opponent Meira Kumar in 21 out of 29 states. But the politics of his election should end where the functions of the Presidency start.

The President’s position is largely ceremonial and he has to act according to the advice of the cabinet. But it is symbolic of the nation, and the President has to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution. He has discretionary powers which should be exercised with wisdom, in greater public interest and in service of Constitutional ideals and principles. One important occasion for the exercise of discretion is when the President has to decide on the formation of a government after an election with an uncertain outcome. The President’s views on recommendations for dismissal of state governments under Article 356 are important. He can also send out messages to the country with his decisions on legislations that come for his assent and with his views on the events and trends in parliament, politics and society. Outgoing President Pranab Mukherjee, for example, has a number of times criticised the rising intolerance and communal hatred in the country and the increasing disrespect for parliament. Presidents also have the moral responsibility, derived from holding the highest constitutional office, to advise and counsel the government on matters that they considers important.

Kovind is the first member of the BJP and the RSS and the second Dalit to become the President. But these identi­ties and affiliations are unimportant as he has to rise above the fray, and stand, speak and act for the nation as a whole which recognises only citizens with equal rights and responsibilities. Kovind has intellectual and professional equipment as a lawyer and a parliamentarian and the experience of holding a constitutional office as the governor of Bihar, which will stand him in good stead in discharging his responsibilities as President. The nation will look up to him to play an ideal role as the head of state.