RS bids emotional farewell to Naidu

Members cutting across party lines praise the ‘innovations’ of the outgoing Chairman

THE Rajya Sabha Monday bid an emotional farewell to Chairman M. Venkaiah Naidu, remembering the innovative initiatives taken by him, although some Opposition parties used the occasion to take a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the atmosphere in the House under the current government.

Members cutting across party lines praised Naidu’s role as the presiding officer of the Upper House, and recollected how he encouraged them to speak in their native languages.

Hailing Naidu’s wit and oneliners, the Prime Minister praised his five-year term as Vice-President and Rajya Sabha Chairman, saying the productivity of the House increased 70 percent under him and he had set high standards for his successor.

“He was of the opinion that disruptions of proceedings, beyond a point, were contempt of the House. The Rajya Sabha can pass, reject, amend or return a bill, but parliamentary democracy doesn’t allow blocking them,” he said.