'President of India is not a ceremonial office'

New Delhi, July 15: The mudslinging match witnessed in the run up to the Presidential polls in the country, instead of a robust and meaningful debate, is a sign of a depoliticised society in India, something that does not bode well for the largest democracy in the world, a political observer today said.

''Election for the President of India ought to be an occasion to remind the nation about the Constitutional and socio-spiritual significance of the highest office. However, the political parties and their candidates have failed to utilise this solemn occasion to educate both personnel involved in the country's governance and common man. Such apolitical behaviour on the part of all concerned is a matter of serious inquiry,'' Arun Kumar of the Pani Ekta Manch said.

Addressing reporters here, Mr Kumar bemoaned the fact that ''this largest democracy and the most historical country'' had been unable to produce a leader who could be considered equal to the majesty, grandeur and responsibility of office of Indian President.

''President of India is not merely a ceremonial office. India's Constitution and all its institutions vests in the post of the President. He is the supreme custodian of all legislative, judicial and executive powers and institutions mentioned or not mentioned in our Constitution.

The person holding this high office is there not only to interpret but also enhance and add to the meanings of the content and spirit of the country's contitution,'' he said.

''Also, the President should be a person who can stretch himself to any extent to ensure security of life for the common citizen and peace for the nation,'' Mr Kumar noted.

Noting that the common citizens had felt injured and offended by the demeaning manner of the debate in the run up to the Presidential polls which they saw as a deliberate attempt to lower the prestige of the high office, Mr Kumar said,''the sorry spectacle of mud slinging and the low level or almost absence of debate about the highest office must prick and spur our conscience to enquire into causes of such stark absence of leadership and survival wisdom in the country.'' ''Depoliticisation of the Congress, Communist Party of India and the Communist Party of India (Marxist) is evident from the choice of an unknown face against a formidable public face like Mr Shekhawat. It is also revealed from the low calibre of the spokespersons representing these parties - their repartee is lifeless, no sense of humour and poor nature of cross examination.

Professionalism and training in politics is on a decline,''he said.

Holding the BJP responsible for turning the campaign for the post of President into a "naked struggle for power", he said,''such a degrading course of seeking power is bound to boomerang not only in the election but in all future elections in which people will be voters.''

UNI