New Delhi, Aug 6 (UNI) Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu on Thursday advised other nations, including those in the neighbourhood, to refrain from commenting on India’s internal matters.
"India is a parliamentary democracy and the decision to abrogate Article 370 was taken after detailed discussion in Parliament and with the support of majority of the members," he said delivering a lecture, organised by the Panjab University on the first death anniversary of the former external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj.
"Abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir was taken in the larger interest to protect the unity, integrity and sovereignty of the country," he asserted.
Recalling the feelings expressed by the late Sushma on abrogation of Article 370 before she passed away, the Vice-President said that as the External Affairs Minister, she used to articulate India’s position "quite efficiently and in a sweet and sober manner". But at the same time, she used to firmly convey the stand of the country.
Paying glowing tributes to the departed BJP leader, he described her as an ideal Indian woman. She was an able administrator who left an indelible imprint on every position she had held.
He urged young politicians to look up to her as a role model and emulate her qualities. "Sushmaji was a wonderful human being, who was always considerate and prompt in her response for any request, be it friends, supporters or people at large. The fact that she was elected to the Lok Sabha on seven occasions and to the Assembly thrice shows how immensely popular she was with the people," he noted.
Referring to her qualities of wit, humane nature and promptness in responding to any problem, he pointed out that these were in full display on the social media when she was the external affairs minister. The Vice-President said she was loved by millions of countrymen and was one of the most popular Indian foreign ministers in recent times.
Describing her as a brilliant orator, Mr Naidu recalled the effective manner in which she described 'Bharatiyata' during a debate in Lok Sabha in 1996. As a passionate nationalist, she always expressed her views in a forthright manner.
She was like a family member, he said, and recalled how she used to visit their residence and tie rakhi on his wrist for Raksha Bandhan.
"Remembering our cherished bonding, I became emotional when the country celebrated the festival a few days ago," he added.
PU Vice Chancellor Raj Kumar, her daughter Bansuri Swaraj and others were present on the occasion.
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