If one calls for discipline, that person is branded autocrat: Modi

In a veiled jibe at the opposition, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Sunday that by calling for discipline these days, one can be branded an "autocrat", as he praised Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu for being a "disciplinarian".

After launching a book on the vice president and Rajya Sabha chairman's first year, Modi said Naidu always provides visionary leadership whenever he gets a responsibility.

"Venkaiah ji is a disciplinarian, and the country's situation is such that it has become easy to call discipline undemocratic. If one calls for some discipline, then that person is branded an autocrat... The whole dictionary is opened. But the discipline Venkaiah ji calls for, he himself follows it," Modi said.

Opposition parties were reportedly upset with Naidu for not allowing their parliamentarians to raise their issues of concern.

Referring to Naidu's punctuality and discipline, Modi said, "One has to be very alert while touring with Venkaiah ji. One, he never wears a watch, he does not keep a pen and does not keep money... He does not wear a watch, but he reaches for programmes on time. And if the programme does not get over in time, then he becomes uneasy. Discipline is in his nature."
Recalling his 45-year association with Naidu, Jaitely said, "The unique feature of Shri Naidu is he is 24x7, 365 (days), without even a day's rest and is intensely committed to farmers. He is more guided by heart and so is emotional."