Naidu gives 'quit corruption' call, plants sapling marking 2 yrs in office

Vice-President M Venkaiah Naidu on Friday planted a sapling in the forecourt of Parliament House marking his completion of two years as Rajya Sabha chairman.

Naidu assumed the office of Chairman of Rajya Sabha on August 11, 2017.

He planted in the forecourt of gate number 11 of Parliament House a sapling of 'Jarul' a flowering tree that blooms in summer. The flowers are of three colours -- deep purple, red and white.

Addressing the media later, Naidu referred to the 77the anniversary of the Quit India movement and called for eradicating corruption from all walks of public life "with the spirit of the movement that lifted freedom struggle to a new level".

Expressing concern over climate change, the Vice-President stressed on the need for a people's movement for protecting the environment by planting trees, conserving water, and avoiding felling of trees among others.

Terming Swachh Bharat campaign a "successful movement", Naidu urged the people to be guided by the same spirit to fight climate change.

Secretary General of Rajya Sabha Desh Deepak Verma, Secretary P P K Ramacharyulu and senior officials of the secretariat were present on the occasion.