Hitting out at the Bharatiya Janata Party-led opposition, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Thursday voiced deep concern over the prevention of a discussion in Parliament on the President's address. He appealed to parties across the political spectrum to respect Parliament as an essential forum for public debate.

"It should be a matter of deep concern for all of us when established mechanism for a constructive dialogue and critique, which are vital for a parliamentary democracy, are disrupted and not allowed to operate," said Singh in his first address to the nation after assuming office.

The prime minister's address, however, did not refer to the issue of 'tainted Ministers' which had rocked the first session of 14th Lok Sabha earlier this month.
 
Observing that the address of the President to Parliament outlined a comprehensive agenda for the country to which the
government was committed, the prime minister said the nation would have benefited if Parliament had been allowed to discuss the address.

"I was eagerly looking forward to contributions from all parties in this discussion. Unfortunately, this was not allowed to happen," he said.

Describing Parliament as a sacred forum, the prime minister suggested that it must be the collective endeavour of all parties to ensure that "we maximise" its effectiveness.

A fortnight ahead of the presentation of the first Union Budget of the United Progressive Alliance government early next month, the prime minister in his eight-page address said the government will pursue economic reforms and widen the space for individual initiative and enterprise. "But even as we do so, we cannot forsake the obligation of running a government that works, and works for the people. The reform of administration and of public institutions to improve efficiency and the quality of delivery services will be our immediate priority," he said.