New Delhi: In the wake of agitation against the new citizenship law in the country, former President of India Pranab Mukherjee on Thursday said that it was heartening to see people's assertion and belief in the Constitution of India. “The last few months have witnessed people come out on the streets in large numbers, particularly the young, to voice out their views on issues which, in their opinion, are important,” PTI quoted Mukherjee as saying. “Their assertion and belief in the Constitution of India are particularly heartening to see,” he mentioned.

Speaking at the first Sukumar Memorial Lecture, Mukherjee said the Indian democracy had been tested time and again. "Indian Democracy has been tested time and again. Consensus is the lifeblood of Democracy. Democracy thrives on listening, deliberating, discussing, arguing and even dissent," Mukherjee said.

The last few months had witnessed a large number of people coming out on the streets to voice their views on issues that in their opinion were important, the former President said.

While Mukherjee did not specify the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019, or CAA, in his address, his remarks have come amid the protests against the bill. Those opposing the CAA say it discriminates against Muslims and is unconstitutional.

He praised the stellar role played by the Election Commission in strengthening India's democracy. "The Election Commission has served its purpose well & any attempt at its denigration will amount to denigrating the electoral process. People's mandate is sacrosanct and its sanctity supreme. Onus of ensuring this lies with the ECI. They must do so & put any speculations to rest," the former President said.

On the development activities getting hindered by-elections, Mukherjee said the model code of conduct could be amended.

The former President said the strength of Parliament should be revised to reflect the growth in the electorate and steps to ensure adequate representation of women in the legislatures.

The Sukumar Sen Memorial lecture was organised as a tribute to the first Chief Election Commissioner of India, who supervised the first two general elections, Assembly polls, putting India firmly on the map of democracy.

(with inputs from agencies)