Sushma Ji was multifaceted personality, never hesitated to speak her mind : PM Modi

Speed Post News Network

New Delhi : Prime Minister Narendra Modi joined a Shradhanjali Sabha, prayer meeting, in remembrance of former External Affairs Minister and one of India’s most respected leaders Sushma Swaraj. He termed Sushma Swaraj as a leader who diligently served India and highlighted various aspects of her public life. Recalling her contributions, the Prime Minister said that we are blessed to have closely interacted with Sushma Ji. He added, “Sushma Ji was a multifaceted personality and all those who have worked with her, have seen very closely what a great personality she was.”

The Prime Minster added that Sushma Swaraj never shied to take up a challenge. Referring to her decision to contest from Bellary Lok Sabha constituencyin 1999, the PM said, “I remember Venkaiah Naidu Ji and me going to Sushma Ji, and asking her to go to Karnataka to fight elections. The outcome was certain but she was someone who was always ready to take up challenges.” The PM said that Sushma Swaraj was a powerful orator and her speeches were both impactful as well as inspiring.

The PM further added that in any ministerial duty she held, Sushma Swaraj brought a marked change in the work culture there. “One would conventionally associate the MEA with protocol but Sushma Ji went a step ahead and answered the people’s call, making the Ministry people friendly,” he remarked. The PM recalled how the number of passport offices rose significantly during the tenure of Sushma Swaraj as the External Affairs Minister in the last five years.

Highlighting one of the lesser known aspects of Sushma Swaraj, the PM spoke about her Haryanvi accent. The PM said, “We are used to people saying politically correct things but Sushma Ji was different. She did not hesitate to speak her mind and she spoke with firmness. This was special about her.”

Recalling an incident when he was about to deliver his first address to the United Nations General Assembly, the PM mentioned how Sushma Swaraj had guided him what to do. He recollected the incident how she had helped him prepare his speech for the United Nations overnight.

The Prime Minister said that he saw traces of Sushma Swaraj in Bansuri and appreciated her for her efforts. The Prime Minister expressed condolences to late Sushma Swaraj Ji’s husband Swaraj Kaushal and daughter Bansuri.