President Pranab Mukherjee addressing the nation on eve of the Republic Day
In a hard hitting address to the nation on the eve of Republic Day, President Pranab Mukherjie said on Saturday that popular anarchy cannot be a substitute for governance.
Without taking the name of Aam Aadmi Party leader Arvind Kejriwal, who earlier this week staged a two-day dharna outside Rail Bhavan against the Central government, he was critical of Mr Kejriwal's style when he said "elections do not give any person the license to flirt with illusions".
"Government is not a charity shop. Populist anarchy cannot be a substitute for governance. False promises lead to disillusionment, which gives birth to rage, and that rage has one legitimate target: those in power," the President said.
"Equally dangerous is the rise of hypocrisy in public life. Elections do not give any person the license to flirt with illusions. Those who seek the trust of voters must promise only what is possible," he added.
Speaking to NDTV after the President's address, Aam Aadmi Party leader Yogendra Yadav claimed that Mr Mukherjee's address to the nation is being misinterpreted and that he must have bigger issue in mind.
"I am sure the President meant the larger situation in the country. The country faces challenges of authoratism and dynasty politics. To say that President's address targets AAP is an attempt to insult the dignity of President's office," Mr Yadav said.
Mr Kejriwal and his cabinet colleagues had staged a dharna outside Rail Bhavan in New Delhi defying prohibitory orders demanding action against some policemen. They ended it after two policemen were sent on leave.
The President said the rage will abate only when governments deliver what they were elected to deliver: social and economic progress, not at a snail's pace but with the speed of a racehorse.
Aspirational young Indians, he said, will not forgive the betrayal of their future. Those in office must eliminate the trust deficit between them and the people. Those in politics should understand that every election comes with a warning sign: perform or perish.