New Delhi: Weeks after Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave veteran Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad a teary-eyed farewell, the latter on Sunday complimented the PM for being his true self.
While addressing an event, Azad who hails from Jammu and Kashmir and served three years as Chief Minister relating to PM Modi stated that he has not forgotten his roots and does not hide his true self.
Azad said, "I like a lot of things about many leaders. I am from the village and feel proud... Even our Prime Minister (Narendra Modi) hails from the village and used to sell tea. We are political rivals but I appreciate that he does not hide his true self. Those who do... are living in a bubble."
"I have travelled the whole world. I have stayed in 5-star and 7-star hotels, but when I sit with people from my village... there is a fragrance that makes it special," the Congress leader said after he was felicitated with the 'Sher-e-Gurjar award' by Gurjar Desh Charitable Trust.
Azad retired from the Upper House of Parliament on February 15. During his retirement, PM Modi recalled his long association with the Congress leader. He further asserted that the person who will replace Azad will find it tough to match his contribution. A teary-eyed Modi, while bidding adieu to Azad said he was not only concerned about his party but also about the country and the House.
Earlier on Saturday, a group of Congress leaders popularly known as G-23 raised their concern on the functioning of the party and stressed the need to strengthen the grand old party. Along with, Azad senior Congress leaders, Kapil Sibal, Anand Sharma, Raj Babbar and many others were present during the event held in Jammu.
Known as the groups of dissenting leaders of Congress, the G-23 questioned the leadership of the party. This has also created a rift within the party ahead of the ensuing Assembly elections.
Meanwhile, one of the leaders from the group of 23, senior Congress leader M Veerappa Moily on Monday virtually expressed concern over internal differences in the party spilling out into the open and backed Rahul Gandhi's return as President of the outfit. He further distanced himself from the Jammu meet of the G-23 leaders.