Prez seeks cooperation of MPs in smooth conduct of Parliament

With clouds of storm hovering over Parliament's budget session, President Pranab Mukherjee today sought the "cooperation" of all MPs in the smooth conduct of legislative business but gave no indication of plans to bring changes in the controversial land acquisition ordinance.
He, however, declared that government attaches paramount importance to safeguarding the interests of farmers and families affected by land acquisition.
Delivering his address to the joint sitting of Parliament, whose budget session commenced today, he said the government will constantly endeavour for smooth conduct of legislative business and enactment of progressive laws in the Parliament.
In the address, which is mandated before the start of the first session of the year in which the President reads out government's plans for the coming year, Mukherjee said Parliament is the sanctum sanctorum of Democracy and the people of have reposed unflinching faith in this institution for fulfilment of their hopes and expectations.

"My Government will constantly endeavour for smooth conduct of legislative business and enactment of progressive laws in the Parliament which reflects the will and aspirations of the people.
"I urge all Members of the Parliament to discharge their solemn responsibility in a spirit of cooperation and mutual accommodation.
"By channelising the patriotic energies of every citizen, we all collectively must work towards building a strong and modern India. Ek Bharat Shresht Bharat (One India, Best India). Jai Hind," he said winding up his speech that was heard with rapt attention with occasional thumping of desks.