‘Won’t let you retire’: PM Modi bids emotional goodbye to Ghulam Nabi Azad

TIL Desk/National/New Delhi/ Prime Minister Narendra Modi broke down several times in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday while reminiscing about his close association with Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad whose term is coming to an end next week. The prime minister was participating in the farewell speech for Leader of Opposition Azad and three other members from Jammu and Kashmir — Nazir Ahmad Laway, Shamsher Singh Manhas, Mir Mohammad Fayaz– whose terms in the Upper House are coming to an end.

Modi said it would be difficult for anyone to fill the shoes of Azad as he cared not only about his political affiliation but also about the country and the House. “I worry that after Azad whosoever will take over from him will have to fill very big boots because he cared not only about his party but about the country as well as the House. This is not a small thing, this a big thing,” Modi said.

He noted that Azad had called him to ask for an all party meeting during COVID-19 period. “I liked that and also did it. The Prime Minister, while referring to Azad’s contribution to the politics and the House, said, “You are retiring from the House, but I will not let you retire and my doors are open for you and will need your contribution and advice.”