Debate to end NPR deadlock: Venkaiah

Hyderabad: Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu on Sunday said there was a need for an enlightened and constructive debate on issues such as the Citizenship Amendment Act and National Population Register and stressed that there should be no scope for violence during protests.

Inaugurating the birth centenary celebrations of the late Chief Minister of united Andhra Pradesh Marri Channa Reddy, the Vice President said: "Whether it is CAA or NPR, people of the country should have an enlightened, meaningful and constructive discussion in constitutional houses, meetings and media as to when it came, why it came and what is the net impact, if there is any need to modify it, if so what are the suggestions.

If we discuss this, then our system will be strengthened, and the public will be enlightened."

He said the Centre should also allay the apprehensions of those who express dissent. "Agree to disagree is a fundamental principle in democracy.

Whether we like it or not, the other side of the issue should be heard and accordingly act (appropriately). There should not be scope for violence during agitations," he said.

Noting that dissent or disagreement has to be expressed in a constructive, democratic and peaceful manner, Venkaiah recalled that Mahatma Gandhi had eschewed violence in all its forms even in the face of the most daunting challenges.

The Vice President emphasised the need for maintaining the dignity of Parliament and Legislatures and raising the standards of the debates.

He said personal attacks should not be made, while policies could be criticised.

Paying tributes to Channa Reddy, he said Reddy was a grass-roots politician and a mass leader, who relentlessly worked for the upliftment of the common people.

The fact that he had occupied so many high offices is a testimony to his administrative acumen and leadership qualities.

Governor of Himachal Pradesh Bandaru Dattatreya and former of Tamil Nadu K Rosaiah recalled their association with Reddy, who led the separate Telangana movement in 1969.