Prime Minister, Narendra Modi has showered praise on President, Pranab Mukherjee saying, he never judged his government’s decisions or compared them to those made by previous governments.
“I was surprised while working with Pranab Da for three years that despite having been a part of the government for so long and that too in key decision-making positions, he never judged or compared my government’s decisions by his past experiences,” PM Modi said.
“He always saw the decisions in the present context with the present realities,” PM Modi said at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.
PM Modi also said that although he and Mukherjee are from different political backgrounds and were supported by different ideologies, “Pranab Da never let me feel that”. He also added that it was due to the guidance of Mukherjee that he could pick up the essentials of governance at the Centre.
“I was new, had no experience at this level (Centre). I came from a state. But through his (Pranab Mukherjee’s) guidance we could do many things that we have done,” the Prime Minister said.
Speaking on the occasion, Mukherjee said, “I have received much more from the country, than what I have given.” He also mentioned that he was overwhelmed by a deep sense of gratitude. “I learned from conversations with young and bright minds in colleges and universities, scientists, innovators, scholars, jurists, authors, artists and leaders from across the spectrum. These interactions kept him focused and inspired,” he said.
Mukherjee also congratulated and extended a warm welcome to his successor Ram Nath Kovind and wished him success.
A book titled “Selected Speeches of President – Volume 4” was also launched at a function. PM Modi presented the first copy to Pranab Mukherjee.
