New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said he considers former vice president M Venkaiah Naidu a close companion who was baked in the fire of the Emergency imposed by the Congress government during which he was jailed for 17 months.
Releasing three books on Naidu, including a biography, Modi said the journey of Naidu, from being a farmer's son to occupying high-ranking positions as Union minister and vice president, is a "perfect glimpse" of the amalgamation of ideas, vision, and personality.
The books released by the prime minister were the biography 'Venkaiah Naidu – Life in Service', photo-chronicle 'Celebrating Bharat – The Mission and Message of M Venkaiah Naidu as 13th Vice–President of India' and pictorial biography in Telugu 'Mahaneta – Life and Journey of M Venkaiah Naidu'.
Recalling the Emergency days, he said the Congress tarnished the reputation of the Constitution by imposing the Emergency. "Venkiah-ji was one of our friends who fought with all vigour against Emergency and was jailed for 17 months. That is why I consider him as a close companion who was baked in the fire of Emergency," Modi said.
Speaking on the occasion, Naidu thanked the PM for releasing the books. "Development and welfare must go hand in hand. We should not be tempted by these freebies and then make people lazy," the former vice president said.
Published 30 June 2024, 08:04 IST