“Proud to be an Indian Muslim,” says Ghulam Nabi Azad during farewell speech

Ghulam Nabi Azad, the veteran Congress leader is set to retire from the Upper House on February 15.

Ghulam Nabi Azad while speaking in the Rajya Sabha at his farewell recalled his political career and said that he was a proud Indian Muslim. He said, “After becoming the Chief Minister, I conducted the first public meeting in Sopore. I am thankful to Indira Gandhi and Sanjay Gandhi who gave me an opportunity in politics. I learned from Atal Bihari Vajpayee and worked under the Prime Ministership of many politicians.”

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Ghulam Nabi Azad said he was among the fortunate people who have never been to Pakistan and that he is proud to be an Indian Muslim. He said “I am among those fortunate people who never went to Pakistan. When I read about circumstances in Pakistan, I feel proud to be a Hindustani Muslim.”

Azad had earlier received a wholehearted farewell from leaders across the political gamut with Prime Minister Narendra Modi saying that he had distinguished himself in Parliament and was not only concerned about the party but also cared about the Upper House and the country.

“Posts come, the high office comes, power comes and how to handle these, one must learn from Ghulam Nabi Azad Ji. I would consider him a true friend,” PM Modi said. He also remembered former President Pranab Mukherjee, another Congress veteran with whom he shared a strong rapport.