West Bengal Governor M K Narayanan today drew similarities between the mood prevailing during the current movement against corruption and the protests against the implementation of the Mandal committee recommendations in early 1990s.
“Quite a few students committed suicide, and the period coincided with incidences of communal violence in Hyderabad, but it was fascinating to see how the then president R Venkataraman helped steady the situation and brought back the country to peace and sobriety,” Narayanan said. Speaking at a function to mark the birth centenary of Venkataraman, he said: “I would not draw parallels between 1990s and 2011, but there are similarities in the mood.”
Venkataraman was president of India from 25 July, 1987 to 25 July, 1992
He added the country was facing similar emotional upsurge, driven by the civil society activity and a sizeable band of support.
Narayanan said a large number of people had come together to fight corruption and demanded adoption of unorthodox remedies to rid the nation from this canker.
“Nevertheless, eliminating corruption has caught the imagination of people across the country and this is reeling the current upsurge”, he pointed. He talked about how Ventakataraman laid emphasis on the importance of those in authority to adhere closely to the principles underlying Article 14, that is, ‘equality before the law’ and Article 19, that is, ‘freedom of speech’ enshrined in the Constitution.
“Venkataraman used to say the state and agencies should uphold the right of freedom of speech and must not overcast or resort to draconian steps”, he said. He conveyed the right advice subtly without giving impression of direct involvement, Narayanan added.
