Many top leaders attended the farewell in the Upper House of Parliament. (file)
New Delhi:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu’s “hardworking” work ethic in the Rajya Sabha today as the Upper House bids farewell to its Chairman. “He never considered work as a burden,” said Prime Minister Modi.
Mr Naidu stepped down on Wednesday and his successor Jagdeep Dhankhar will take the oath of office on August 11.
Prime Minister Modi said, “Your one liners are also wit-liners.” “His mastery of languages has always been great … there is both depth and essence in what he says.”
Prime Minister Modi said the outgoing Speaker encouraged dialogue in the Upper House and set the “standards and legacy” that will continue to guide his successors.
In addition, the Prime Minister highlighted Shri Naidu’s passion for Indian languages and praised his contribution towards increasing the productivity of the Rajya Sabha. “During Naidu’s tenure, the productivity of the Rajya Sabha has increased by 70 per cent and the attendance of MPs has also increased,” he said.
Prime Minister Modi said that he has worked closely with Shri Naidu over the years. “I have also seen him take on different responsibilities and he has performed each of them with great dedication,” he added.
He also said that Shri Naidu devoted a lot of time for youth welfare. “Many of your programs focused on youth power.”
Prime Minister Modi said that this year Independence Day will be celebrated with the President, Vice President, Lok Sabha Speaker and Prime Minister, who were born in independent India.
Many top leaders attended the farewell in the Upper House of Parliament.
On Monday evening, there will be another farewell ceremony for Shri Naidu on behalf of all the members of the House at GMC Balayogi Auditorium.
PM to present memento to Shri Naidu while Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha delivers farewell speech
(with inputs from PTI)