Context of the contest :  

Context of the contest :  

(The Hindu, Editorial) (The selection of President, camaraderie of the political class)

Context :

• The election to the posts of President and Vice President is a moment when contested democracy gives way to broad agreement and the camaraderie of the political class.
• Felicitation of new elected President
• On July 25, the newly elected President of India Ram Nath Kovind was sworn in at the Central Hall of Parliament.
• The function was attended by Members of Parliament cutting across party lines and Chief Ministers who represented different political persuasions.

Farewell to Outgoing President  :

• Earlier, last Sunday, a cross-section of MPs attended a touching farewell to outgoing President Pranab Mukherjee, a man associated with Indian parliamentary democracy since 1969.
• Choice of President: not unanimous
• Not all those who attended both functions had voted for either President Kovind or President Mukherjee.
• Unsuccessful candidates were included C.D. Deshmukh, H.R.
• Khanna, K. Subba Rao, Tridib Chaudhuri, Bhairon Singh Shekhawat and P.A. Sangma.
• However, the mere fact that the presidency was contested didn’t either diminish the office or ensure unending controversy over the person of the Head of State.
• The respect and dignity of that office has always been maintained by all shades of political opinion.

Reasons :

• The holder of a constitutional office such as the President or Vice President is not expected to be another battering ram on behalf of the Prime Minister and the ruling dispensation.
• The Head of State is expected to adhere to the letter of the Constitution.
• The only occasion the President can somewhat exercise his discretion is in selecting the Prime Minister in the event of a fractured election verdict.