I don't believe that Indian President is a mere figure-head. I also don't believe that his or her persona can't make any difference to the role played by this august office. Just spare a thought on the roles of Dr.Rajendra Prasad,Dr.Radhakrishnan and make a comparative study of some of the persons who held this office and displayed little character - then exercise won't be that futile!

President is not actually a figure head. But not being an executive head, his role is very limited and quite often this is a secret. There are very few occasions when his discretion is known to people. Pranab has just begun his new role and we may have an opportunity to judge him when some controversial bill is presented to him and he signs blindly without once returning to cabinet for review.

Dr Rajendra Prasad and Dr Radhakrishnan were presidents at a time when there was at least some dignity in politics unlike now.The PM , party president and their coterie have become all powerful and as of now I doubt if the President would ever go against any of them. After all they are directly responsible for electing and keeping him there so that he plays along.. Pranab Mukherji probably will have to be satisfied with making brave sounding speeches like even Pratibha Patil did a couple of times initially ..

President Pranab need not make speeches in public like active politicians. Now he is in a constitutional post and is supposed to work within framework of constitution. He has no executive powers and hence the mere talk of his going in favor or against some one makes hardly any sense. His formal speeches like address to nation, parliament and that in U.N.O. are drafted by cabinet. He has to function as advised by the cabinet. Making comment on the President just as you do on other leaders hardly has any meaning.

Pranab Mukherjee's past records would continue to chase whatever position he holds! Each of his actions and words would come under scanner. We just can't help it!