The BJP may not have considered Pranab Mukherjee for a second term at the Rashtrapati Bhavan but high praise from Prime Minister Narendra Modi pulled at the former President heartstrings on his last day in office.
Exclaiming that it “touched his heart”, Mukherjee on Thursday tweeted Modi’s two-page letter dated July 24, his last day in office. Mukherjee’s outpourings were matched in scale by the twitter-savvy PM who promptly responded, referring to him as Pranabda (elder brother): “Pranab Da, I will always cherish working with you.”
The contents of the letter were even more sentimental. “Pranab Da, you have always been a father figure and a mentor to me…The task before me was huge and challenging... Your wisdom, guidance and personal warmth have given me greater confidence and strength,” he said.
Modi said Mukherjee’s “intellectual prowess” had been of constant help. “You have been so warm, affectionate and caring to me. Your one phone call asking me ‘I hope you are taking care of your health’ was enough to fill me with fresh energy, after a long day at meetings or on a campaign tour.”
“Pranab Da, our political journeys took shape in different political parties. Our ideologies, at times, have been different. Our experiences are also varied. My administrative experience was from my State, whereas you have seen the expanse of our national polity and politics for decades. Yet, such is the strength of your intellect and wisdom that we were able to work together with synergy,” Modi said.
The BJP leader praised the erstwhile Congressman for opening the Rashtrapati Bhavan to initiatives that recognised the innovation and the talent of India’s youth.
“You belong to a generation of leaders for whom politics was simply a means to selflessly give back to society...India will always be proud of you, a President who was a humble public servant and an exceptional leader,” Modi had said.
The Prime Minister said he and all others would continue to draw strength from Mukherjee’s democratic vision of “taking everybody along“. “Rashtrapati Ji, it has been an honour to work with you, as your Prime Minister.”