Ghulam Nabi Azad praises PM Modi for being 'frank' about his past as 'tea-seller'

The former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister said a person should not try to hide his background from the world.

February 28, 2021 06:53 pm | Updated 08:07 pm IST - Jammu

Senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad being felicitated by members of Gurjar Desh Charitable Trust, during a function in Jammu, Sunday, Feb. 28, 2021.

Senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad being felicitated by members of Gurjar Desh Charitable Trust, during a function in Jammu, Sunday, Feb. 28, 2021.

Senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad on Sunday praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for being a leader who did not hide his past.

“I like many things about many leaders. I am from a village and feel proud about it. Our Prime Minister Narendra Modi also says he is from a village, would do small-time jobs and sell tea. Politically, we may be rivals, but the fact is [that] he does not hide his past reality,” Mr. Azad said at a function in Jammu.

He said those who hide their past “live in an illusionary world”, without naming any leader.

“A man should be proud of who he is. I have travelled to many countries and stayed in five star hotels across the world. But when I visit my village, the smell there is always pleasant. It smells different,” Mr. Azad said.

Mr. Azad’s remarks came at a time the Congress grouping known as G-23 held a grand meeting in Jammu on Saturday, with many leaders pitching him to lead the party. Many saw the G-23 meeting here as an open rebellion against the top leadership of Congress.

‘Congress must unite’

Meanwhile, National Conference president Dr. Farooq Abdullah on Sunday said the Congress must unite to fight against the divisive forces.

“All must unite to fight against the divisive forces of the country. The Congress must also unite, must become strong. People look up to the Congress to sort things out. It’s an over 130-years-old party,” Dr. Abdullah said, in Jammu.

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