Senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad on Sunday praised Narendra Modi calling him grounded. He said Modi is connected to his roots, despite becoming the prime minister, he proudly calls himself "chaiwala".
Addressing members of the Gujjar community at an event in Jammu, Azad said he has serious political differences with PM Modi but praised him for not hiding his realities. "People must learn from Narendra Modi, who despite becoming the Prime Minister, hasn't forgotten his roots. He proudly calls himself a 'chaiwala'. Though I have serious political differences with Narendra Modi, the PM is a very grounded person."
At the event, Azad also spoke that there is a need to fix the economic situation in Jammu and Kashmir with the Covid-19 lockdown and abrogation of Article 370. "Development work has to be increased three times over. J&K should be given 3-4 times more funds from Delhi. Today, work is not visible and industries are closed," Azad said.
PM’s farewell speech for Azad
Earlier this month, PM Modi had an emotional breakdown in Parliament while bidding farewell to Azad whose term as leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha ended recently. Teary-eyed Modi recollected his close association with Azad and said nobody can replace Azad as he not only cared about his political party but thought more about the country.
"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," PM Modi had said.
Azad retired from the Upper House on February 15 after being the Leader of Opposition for over six years since June 8, 2014.
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