President Pranab Mukherjee said on Sunday that he had “greatly benefited” from the advice and cooperation extended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at “every step.”
“With passion and energy, he [Mr. Modi] is driving transformational changes in the country. I will carry with me fond memories of our association and his warm and courteous behaviour,” he said.
Recalling his days as a member of Parliament, which he entered in 1969 as a Rajya Sabha member, Mr. Mukherjee said that by listening to stalwarts in the Treasury and Opposition benches, he understood the value of debate, discussion and dissent.
Parliamentarians’ guru
Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan said Mr. Mukherjee was respected for his impeccable knowledge of constitutional and parliamentary rules and procedures and exemplary memory of events and precedents.
“You have been a ‘guru’ from whom generations of parliamentarians have received lessons on the operational dynamics of our parliamentary polity.”
She said said the President’s admirable administrative acumen and efficiency have played pivotal roles in shaping appropriate responses to various momentous events and challenges before the nation at large.
Advice to Governors
Rajya Sabha Chairman Hamid Ansari said Mr. Mukherjee’s views and pronouncements on issues of national and international importance had enhanced the stature of the high offices he held.
“From the highest pedestal, he has, on several occasions, urged citizens to rededicate themselves to the cause of upholding the democratic values. He has spoken with conviction about India’s pluralism and diversity being her greatest strength and the need to constantly nurture and protect them,” he said.
Mr. Ansari recalled that at a farewell dinner for Governors and Lieutenant-Governors last week, Mr. Mukherjee had spoken about the constitutional design by which “there cannot be two functional executive authorities in a State” and the Governor’s role, therefore, was “mainly confined to giving advice to the Chief Minister”.
Mr. Mukherjee was presented a coffee table book by the Speaker. He attended a high tea in Parliament House.
