Popuist anarchy can’t replace governence: President
New Delhi: President Pranab Mukherjee on Saturday attacked on Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s street protests, saying that the government is not a ‘charity shop’ and added that ‘populist anarchy’ cannot be a substitute for governance.
Without taking the name of AAP leader, who earlier this week staged a two-day dharna outside Rail Bhawan against the Central government, the President was critical of Kejriwal’s style when he said, “Elections do not give any person the license to flirt with illusions.”
Addressing the nation on the eve of 65th Republic Day, the President said that corruption is a cancer which has eroded the democracy and weakened the foundation of the state.
If Indians are enraged, he said, it is because they are witnessing corruption and waste of national resources. If governments do not remove these flaws, voters will remove governments.
“Equally dangerous is the rise of hypocrisy in public life. Elections do not give any person the license to flirt with illusions. Those who seek the trust of voters must promise only what is possible,” Pranab Mukherjee said.
“Government is not a charity shop. Populist anarchy cannot be a substitute for governance. False promises lead to disillusionment, which gives birth to rage, and that rage has one legitimate target: those in power,” the President added.
Kejriwal and his cabinet colleagues had staged a dharna outside Rail Bhawan defying prohibitory orders demanding action against some policemen. They ended it after two policemen were sent on leave.
The President said that the rage will abate only when governments deliver what they were elected to deliver – social and economic progress, not at a snail’s pace but with the speed of a racehorse.
The aspirational young Indian, he said, will not forgive any betrayal of her future. Those in office must eliminate the trust deficit between them and the people. Those in politics should understand that every election comes with a warning sign – perform or perish.
