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New Delhi, August 11
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday recounted the humble beginnings of new Vice President Venkaiah Naidu.
He was speaking in the Rajya Sabha.
“For the first time in India, we have people from humble origins occupying top constitutional posts,” Modi said.
To this, Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad said, “We must not forget those who gave up their wealth to give India the Constitution that ensures anyone can occupy top posts.”
The PM said, “Naidu has risen from humble farmer origins. For the first time, we have people from similar backgrounds in the top constitutional posts.”
For the first time in the history of Parliament, all top posts are occupied by people of the BJP-RSS origin.
Addressing the House with Naidu in the chair, Modi spoke of the former union minister’s contribution to rural India, especially the Grameen Sadak Yojana. “Naidu is the first Vice President born in free India and is aware of each and every aspect of Parliament,” Modi said.
“We chose him for his deep connect with public life and are sure he will use his vast experience in Parliament to lend more dignity to the post,” the PM said.
Azad also mentioned the rise of Naidu from grassroots, adding that it was not about being rich or poor. “There are many people in the country who are occupying top posts after having risen from humble backgrounds,” he said, attributing it to the strength of democracy.
“Also, we must not forget those who were rich and affluent and gave it all up for the sake of the country, like Motilal Nehru, Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru. We must salute them for giving us the Constitution that ensures that anyone can become Prime Minister, President or Vice President,” Azad said.
He also reminded Naidu that the balance behind his chair symbolised that he must be fair. “You should ensure that no bill is passed in the din and that the dignity of parliamentary process is maintained in a non-partisan manner,” he said.
“May the chair always listen to the voice of the opposition,” said TMC leader Derek o Brian, also imploring him not to pass any bill in the din.
