Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said the guidance he received from President Pranab Mukherjee would help him immensely.
Releasing the fourth volume of “Selected Speeches of President Pranab Mukherjee”, Modi said the outgoing first citizen was “extremely knowledgeable and extremely simple”. While discussing official matters, the President offered guidance and constructive feedback, Modi said, paying rich tributes to Mukherjee.
Complimenting the team of the outgoing President, Modi said the Rashtrapati Bhavan had become a Lok Bhavan (people’s house) during Mukherjee’s tenure, while a treasure trove of historical documents were also set up during this period. Mukherjee later hosted a farewell dinner for Modi and several others.
Meanwhile, Union Minister Arun Jaitley said Mukherjee, who demits office on Tuesday, ensured that all decisions of the Union council of ministers conformed to constitutional propriety.
“Pranabda (Mukherjee) will now assume a greater role of advising and guiding the nation as an amicus curiae which he always was,” he said.
Jaitley said India has seen a few politicians like him, who had the capacity to evolve into a statesman irrespective of their political affiliation and the office they held. “Pranabda is one such leader who brought dignity to every office he held.”
