Naidu as VP, RS Chairman a tribute to democracy: Modi

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said it is a tribute to the Indian democracy that people rise from humble and rural backgrounds to the highest constitutional positions, as he joined members of Rajya sabha in welcoming M Venkaiah Naidu as the Chairman of the House.

Soon after he was administered oath as the 15th Vice President of India, Naidu took over as the Chairman of the Upper House.

Leading the felicitations, Modi said the day holds a historic value as on this day, Khudiram Bose, a 18-year old young revolutionary of the freedom struggle, was hanged by the British.

That event "reminds us of the sacrifice of those who had fought for freedom and the responsibility that it places on all of us," he said.

Naidu, he said, is the first Vice President to be born in independent India. Besides having long experience, he is well-versed with the intricacies of parliamentary procedures and the functioning of the House, Modi said.

A son of a farmer, Naidu joined the student movement on a call given by J P Narayan and has since risen from the ranks to lead the second highest constitutional position in the country, he said, adding that issues concerning farmers and the poor have always been dear to his heart.

The rising of people of humble and poor background to the highest constitutional positions in the country is a tribute to Indian democracy and shows its maturity, he said.

"All constitutional positions today are occupied by poor or sons of farmers or commoners," he said referring to President Ram Nath Kovind also coming from a similar background.