New Delhi: The outgoing Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu on Monday said he never aspired to become the President and will not turn into a “dissident”, but will continue to remain connected with people and interact with them. “I am not of that type, people now often talk – either president, otherwise dissident, or a resident. I am not going to do all these three,” said Naidu.
“I never aspired to be the president, will never become a dissident and will never be confined to the residence. I would be moving around, going around, meeting you all, greeting you all and talking to you on larger issues.
“I would not get into politics. We are all working on our way, we are not enemies, we are rivals,” Naidu said.
Naidu also said that people expect Parliament to discuss, debate and not disrupt. In his farewell speech, the Vice President appealed to members to observe “decency, dignity and decorum” to maintain the image and respect of the house.
“The normal feeling about politicians…Respect is declining everywhere and this is because the value systems are declining. Keep that in mind and try to do your bit,” he said advising parliamentarians to follow high standards.
“People want the house to discuss, debate and decide – 3D’s. They do not want the other D, that is disruption,” said Naidu, who is known for his witty and rhyming comments since his days in the BJP.
“My wish is parliament functions well. There are many members who are good speakers and when the opportunity comes, I see new members coming prepared ”Now the students, rural folks and people from other segments are watching parliament proceedings.
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“That is why sometimes, I have to intervene and have to be strict and also have to take not a very happy decision of naming some people. Otherwise, I have no enjoyment to take such extreme actions,” he said.
Naidu also said that he had tears in his eyes when he resigned from BJP with a “heavy heart”, a party he had a place with after his name was declared for the post of Vice President after the BJP parliamentary board meetings.
“There were tears for not shirking the responsibility but because I have to leave the party, which has given me all these. That was the occasion,” he said.
Naidu said he made an honest effort to keep up with the dignity of the house and accommodate all sides “I might not have given enough time as they wanted, but each one of you has been given time, whether it is Zero Hour, special mention, question hour or discussion and debate on the bills,” he added.
Members of Rajya Sabha bade farewell to Naidu and lauded his role as its chairman.
(With PTI inputs)