Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday got emotional as he bid farewell to veteran Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad in Rajya Sabha, adding that his legacy in politics will be hard to replace, he always kept the nation above politics.
“As a leader of the opposition, it’s easy to engage in party politics, but Ghulam Nabi Azad Ji rose above this and always prioritised the prosperity of the country first.” Modi also said that he will be open to his suggestions on political matters even after his retirement.
Recalling his “friendship” with Azad, Modi mentioned an incident when he was the chief minister of Gujarat and Azad was the head of the government in Jammu and Kashmir. “When Azad Ji was CM (of J&K) and I was also the CM (of Gujarat), we shared a close relationship,” the PM said.
A terrorist attack took place in J&K and some Gujarati tourists were killed in the attack. “Azad Ji was the first person to call me. That call was not just to inform me about the attack, tears were rolling down Azad Ji’s eyes while speaking to me on the phone,” the PM said.
Remembering what happened, an emotional Modi said, “Pranab Mukherjee was the defence minister then. I asked him if an Air Force plane could be spared to bring back the bodies. He assured me to arrange one. Then, AzadJii called me again in the night and he was at the airport. He spoke to me like he was worried and concerned as a family member.”
Praising Azad for how he managed the power, Modi added, “power comes and goes in life but one should learn from him how to digest it”.
This is a very emotional moment for me, said the Prime Minister. He got a call the next morning as well and Azad asked if everyone (including bodies) had reached Gujarat, said the PM.
“That's why as a friend, I respect him based on my experience and incidents. He is committed to the nation and is restless about fulfilling his duties,” Modi said.
He concluded the farewell thanking Azad for his tireless work for the country and wished him best for the future. He added that his doors will always remain open for him and will take his valuable suggestions on political matters.
“Ghulam Nabi Azad has a zeal to do something for this country and that will always make him do things. He will add value to every place he goes, Modi added.
In a happy note, the PM said he won’t let him retire and kept taking his advice on all matters.