Bidding farewell to outgoing Vice-President Hamid Ansari, PM Narendra Modi on Thursday said that he got the opportunity to learn on various issues from the latter. “I wish that your leadership will take the country forward in future also,” he added. “You have been a career diplomat, what it means I got to know when I became PM, observing you… I saw mannerisms of a career diplomat. In the last ten years, you have worked within the ambit of the Constitution… Ansariji leaves with great memories, his contribution has been important,” Modi added. Ansari, who became vice-president in the year 2007, will be succeeded by Venkaiah Naidu. Ansari’s second five-year term ends today.
In an interview with Rajya Sabha TV, Ansari said that a feeling of unease and a sense of insecurity is prevailing among the Muslims of the country. Ansari revealed that he had held discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his cabinet colleagues.
Watch | Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Speech | Rajya Sabha Chairman Md. Hamid Ansari’s Farewell
Ansari also described the questioning of Indianness of citizens as a “disturbing thought.” Asked whether he shared his concerns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Ansari replied in an affirmative manner. “Yes…yes. But what passes between the Vice President and the Prime Minister in the nature of things must remain in the domain of privileged conversation,” the ex officio chairman of Rajya Sabha said.