Prez sets election mood in House

The last session of the present parliament went into poll mode as it began with president Pratibha Patil recounting the achievements of the UPA government in her over an hour-long address to a joint sitting of the two Houses.

The atmosphere in Central Hall, the venue of the joint sitting, was dull and reflected the mood of MPs ahead of general elections. The attendance was thin and the usual euphoria attached with the occasion missing. Significantly, it was perhaps the first time in the history of Indian parliament that the president addressed the joint sitting in the absence of the prime minister. In fact, Patil began her address by wishing a speedy recovery to Manmohan Singh who is convalescing after a heart surgery.

The 27-page presidential address with 82 paragraphs was like a poll manifesto. There was no scope to reflect on the policies and planning of the government for the coming year. From strengthening internal security to patting scientists’ backs for launching Chandrayaan, Patil counted the “many achievements” of the government.

The stamp of officiating prime minister Pranab Mukherjee was clearly visible on the address as it gave a detailed account of India’s foreign policy achievements. There was also a word of caution for Pakistan, constantly in denial mode after the Mumbai terror attack.