'Strengthened democracy': Modi lauds Manmohan's contributions

Ideological differences were set aside in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday when Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the contributions of his predecessor, Manmohan Singh, and said he was one of those few esteemed members who will be remembered whenever democracy is discussed.

- Smriti Kak Ramachandran

Modi, whose remarks came while bidding farewell to members retiring from the Upper House, also said that Singh's arrival in the House in a wheelchair was an inspiring example of a member's dedication to his duties.

Sixty-eight members of Rajya Sabha are retiring between February and May after completing their term. Nine Union ministers are among the MPs whose term will end in April. The terms of Singh (Rajasthan) and Bharatiya Party (BJP) president JP Nadda (Himachal Pradesh) are also ending in April.

Lauding Singh's contributions to the country, Modi said: "I would especially like to remember Dr Manmohan Singh ji. For six times he has been a member of this House and has made a huge contribution to this House with his valuable thoughts. As a leader and also as the Leader of the Opposition, he has made a very big contribution."