Prime Minister Narendra Modi has , which drove him to join a political party that had little presence in his State of Andhra Pradesh, saying his "energy is infectious".
In a three-page farewell letter to Naidu, whose term as the Vice President ended on Wednesday, the Prime Minister said, "Your energy is infectious. It can be seen in your wit and wisdom. Your one-liners are widely admired. Articulation has always been among your greatest strengths." Recalling Naidu's strengths, Modi said from the small lanes of Nellore to the vice-presidency, yours has been an outstanding and inspiring journey. Referring to his chairmanship of Rajya Sabha, Modi said Naidu has always been a "stickler for parliamentary discipline and traditions". "I know of your personal anguish and discomfort whenever there were unseemly disruptions or the dignity of the Parliament was lowered in any manner. Whenever you spoke about it, there was deep pain in your voice, conveying your worry for the long-term future of our nation and the vibrancy of the Parliament," Modi wrote in the letter addressed to Naidu as Venkaiah 'garu'.
The prime minister said as the chairman of Rajya Sabha, Naidu presided over the House with brilliance. The success of your approach is evident in the record rise in the Rajya Sabha's productivity during your years as the Chairman, Modi pointed out."In the five years gone by, several historic bills have been passed and you will certainly look back at them with satisfaction.
I am sure the legislations on Articles 370 and 35(A) (relating to abrogation of certain sections of Article 370), which were first tabled in the Rajya Sabha, would have made you very proud," he said.
Recalling Naidu's tenure in the BJP organisation, the prime minister said it has also been memorable. "Needless to say, the interest you took in organisational matters energised every karyakarta (worker).
You made efforts to strengthen systems in the party, by setting up more party offices, ensuring they are active hubs of public service and elaborating on the exact roles of each party position." Modi said personally he has benefited from Naidu's counsel on many matters during their interactions over the last many decades.