Deeply impressed by 'quick learner' Modi who has his own way of doing things: President Pranab Mukherjee

NEW DELHI: Praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his quick learning and mastering over the skill of governance, President Pranab said credit must be given to the Prime Minister for his quick learning of governing the nation and emerging as a national and international figure.

"Present Prime Minister Narendra Modi has his own ways of doing things. We must give credit to him. He is a quick learner. He has picked up quickly from being the head of a federal state to lead the nation by mastering over foreign relations, external economy and internal factors," President Pranab Mukherjee said.

Speaking about the powerful and influencing Prime Minister in his political career, Pranab said five Prime Ministers including Jawahar Lal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Manmohan Singh and now Narendra Modi have left a deep impression on him.


Lauding Indira's decision of 1971 war, he said Indira's political high point was liberation of Bangladesh. "Indira was the most effective Prime Minister, who exercised her power with authority."

Pranab said politics is associated with power and power is associated with office. Leaders should use office for service of people and not for power. "You can win elections with 51 votes out of 100 but you have to win hearts by winning other 49 votes."

He also expressed displeasure over frequent disruptions in Parliament. "I am disturbed, the days of Parliament sittings are reducing. Parliament is a primary forum for debate. End vicious cycle of disruption. Strive to get consensus on issues," he said.

"The disease of disruption has caught us. For example, in 15th Lok Sabha 41.6 per cent of the alloted time in Parliament was disrupted," he added.

Pranab Mukherjee also announced that he will retire from politics after the end of his president tenure.