Governors have responsibility to protect Constitution: Mukherjee

Emphasising that governors have the "onerous responsibility to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution", President Pranab Mukherjee on Wednesday said it was imperative that all their actions were within its framework and "conform to the highest ideals enshrined in this living document".

"As holders of high offices, governors must not only be fair but also be seen to be fair," the president said in his concluding remarks at the 47th Conference of Governors at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Mukherjee said the governors of eastern states, specially those of the northeastern states, should become "active participants of the government's Act East policy".

He said connectivity of the northeastern states must be improved by strengthening the road and rail networks.

"There is need for a progressive policy for industrial investment and promotion in the hilly and mountainous states. The entire northeast and the northern region of the country is highly vulnerable to seismic disturbances.

"The building codes and regulatory mechanisms for new construction have to be enforced strictly. It needs to be ensured that disaster management procedures are in place and regular drills are conducted," an official statement quoted Mukherjee as saying.

Almost all the important statements of the president made at the conference, which also appeared on Twitter, were re-tweeted by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, showing his support for the president's views as to how governors should conduct themselves.

Arunachal Pradesh Governor J.P. Rajkhowa, who has been embroiled in a row and was dubbed the Centre's "agent" had clarified that he was not a "political person" and was "never a member of any political party". Recently citing law and order in Arunachal Pradesh, he had recommended President's Rule in the state.