Why did PM Modi get emotional in Rajya Sabha?

It’s not every day that you see the prime minister of a country getting emotional. Today, 8 February 2021, was a rare day. In contrast with his tough and strong personality, the members in the Rajya Sabha witnessed an emotional side of PM Narendra Modi on Tuesday. Bidding an emotional farewell to Senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad, PM Modi wished him the best for his future endeavours.

Watch my remarks in the Rajya Sabha. https://t.co/Cte2AR0UVs

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 9, 2021

Speaking in the Upper House on the occasion, PM Modi choked up as he recalled an episode when the two were chief ministers. “I will never forget Ghulam Nabi Azad and Pranab Mukherjee’s efforts when people from Gujarat were stuck in Kashmir due to a terror attack. Ghulam Nabi Azad was constantly following up and he sounded concerned as if those stuck were his family members.”

I will never forget Shri Azad’s efforts and Shri Pranab Mukherjee’s efforts when people from Gujarat were stuck in Kashmir due to a terror attack. Ghulam Nabi Ji was constantly following up, he sounded as concerned as if those stuck were his own family members: PM Modi

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) February 9, 2021

As he tried to control his emotions, PM Modi said, “Posts come, power comes and how to handle these, one must learn from Ghulam Nabi Azad. I would consider him a true friend.”

PM Modi heaped praise on the Congress veteran and said, “Ghulam Nabi Azad has set very high standards as MP and opposition leader. His work will inspire generations of MPs to come.”

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He further added, “Ghulam Nabi Azad has distinguished himself in Parliament. He not only worries about his party but also has a similar passion towards the smooth running of the House and India’s development.”

The PM told Ghulam Nabi Azad, whose Rajya Sabha term ends on 15 February, “I would not let you retire, I will continue taking your advice. My doors are always open to you…I will not let you become weak.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi bid farewell to three other Rajya Sabha members whose terms are expiring next week. Besides Azad, the other three retiring Rajya Sabha MPs are Shamsher Singh Manhas of the BJP, and Fayaz Ahmad Mir and Nazir Ahmad of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).