Rise above partisan politics, Kovind tells parties in his farewell speech

New Delhi, July 23: Outgoing President Ram Nath Kovind Saturday asked political parties to rise above partisan politics in national interest and decide what is necessary for the welfare of people.

Speaking during the farewell function organised by MPs for him in the Parliament, Kovind emphasised the value of peace and harmony, saying people have a right to oppose and create pressure to pursue their goals, but their methods must be Gandhian.

His comments assume significance at a time when parliamentary proceedings have been frequently disrupted due to the Opposition's protests over a number of issues.

Kovind said he always considered himself as a part of the larger family, which included the members of parliament.

''President of India is an inseparable part of Parliament. There may be differences of opinion on issues between different parties, but we are all members of Parliament, whose job is to work for the progress of the country,'' he said.

''Political processes are guided by the systems of political parties. But parties should rise above party lines and work with the sentiment that nation is above all,'' he said.

''There are many ways for political parties and citizens to express dissent. Mahatma Gandhi had used Satyagraha, but he also respected the other side,'' Kovind said.

''Our citizens have the right to protest, but in my thought it should always be peaceful, in a Gandhian way,'' he said.

''You will continue to occupy a special place in my heart,'' Outgoing President Ram Nath Kovind said in farewell function.

Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla joined the ceremony to bid farewell to the outgoing President whose term ends on Sunday.

President Ram Nath Kovind, who rose from being a grassroots level politician to becoming the country's first citizen, has long been an advocate of egalitarianism and integrity in the society.

President-Elect Draupadi Murmu will take oath as the 15th President of India on Monday. She will be the first tribal person to occupy the country's highest constitutional post. Kovind congratulated Murmu and said the country will benefit from her guidance.

He said he will always be grateful to the citizens of country for giving him the opportunity to serve as President.