'Came to vote on wheelchair': PM Modi lauds Manmohan Singh in Rajya Sabha

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday lauded former PM Manmohan Singh's contribution to Parliament and said his valuable thoughts as a leader is ''inspiration" for lawmakers.

Speaking in the Rajya Sabha to bid farewell to the retiring members, he said "I remember during the voting in the house, that the treasury bench would win but Dr Manmohan Singh came on a wheelchair and cast his vote in August 2023. This an example of a member being alert of his duties. He was an inspirational example," he said.

The Prime Minister added that, "six times he has made a huge contribution to this house with his valuable thoughts as a leader and also as the Leader of the Opposition".

Extending his best wishes to all the retiring members of the Upper House, Modi said "they will scale new heights after getting educated in this "eternal university".

“I hope the experience of retiring MPs will benefit the country and inspire new generations,” he added.

Calling the house a symbol of continuity, the PM said, " This house receives a new vitality and energy after every 2 years.

"Every two years, the departing members leave behind such memories, which are a priceless legacy for the new incoming members", he said.

Retiring Rajya Sabha members will be given a farewell at Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar's residence on Thursday.

They will attend the farewell function at 6.30 pm.

Earlier, members of the Rajya Sabha took part in a group photo at 10 am at Rashtrapati Bhavan.