During a Parliament session on Tuesday, Rajya Sabha bid farewell to opposition leader Ghulam Nabi Azad. As the Congress leader’s term meets an end, he is retiring on February 15.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his speech at the Parliamentary session, became emotional to bid farewell to the veteran leader. Calling Azad a ‘true friend’, Modi said he won’t let him retire. “Shri Ghulam Nabi Azad has distinguished himself in Parliament. He not only worried about his party but also had a similar passion towards the smooth running of the House and towards India’s development”, said Modi during his speech, adding, “Posts come, high office comes, power comes and how to handle these, one must learn from Ghulam Nabi Azad Ji. I would consider him a true friend”.
Later, a teary-eyed Modi asserted – “I would not let you retire, will continue taking your advice. My doors are always open for you”. The Prime Minister also referred to an incident of Gujarat pilgrims being attacked by a group of terrorists in J&K, remembering the Congress leader’s effort. “Ghulam Nabi Ji was constantly following up, he sounded as concerned as if those stuck were his own family members”, said the PM, adding that the person who is replacing Azad ji as an opposition leader will find it difficult to match his level of work.