Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu on Monday became emotional and broke down as he read out an obituary reference for his old friend and former Union Minister S Jaipal Reddy, saying both shared a 40-year-long association. Reddy, 77, passed away on Sunday.
When the House met for the day, Naidu read out the obituary reference for Reddy. He represented the state of Andhra Pradesh in the Upper House for two terms — from April 1990 to April 1996 and from September 1997 to March 1998 and he was also union minister holding different portfolios during 1997-98 and 2004-14, Naidu said.
Recalling his personal association with Reddy in a choking voice, Naidu said they used to sit on the same bench of Andhra Pradesh Assembly when the two were members. "Reddy was a friend, senior and guide because he was six years senior to me," he said.
Naidu said Andhra Pradesh Assembly used to meet at 8 am in those days and he and Reddy would often meet over breakfast at 7 in the morning to discuss issues
"The amount of knowledge, depth of understanding and mastery of language, both English and Telugu and some Urdu, is really remarkable," he said as he attempted to hide his emotions. "It is really painful that he has left us," he said. Wiping his tears, Naidu said he was sorry he could not control his emotions. "I am sorry I cannot control my emotions because of 40 years of association."