Hyderabad: Vice President-elect Muppavarapu Venkaiah Naidu doesn't want to live a largely ceremonial life in the comfortable environs of the palatial seven-acre bungalow on Moulana Azad Road.
“Meeting people, touring areas, that has been my main activity for the 50 years of my life in politics. Even after I become Vice-President in two days, I want to continue the life I am used to,” he mediapersons on Wednesday at his last public interaction before becoming Vice President.
“I have been consulting officials in this regard and how best I can make changes," said Mr Naidu, who will be sworn in on Friday in the grand Durbar Hall of Rashtrapati Bhavan.
“I have toured 623 districts. I have visited ever district in Telangana state and Andhra Pradesh more than 20 times. Without touring and without talking to people, politicians will not understand the issues and concerns of the people,” he said.
“I know the limitations of the Vice President’s post like I should not talk too much, my tours and visits will be subjected to protocol rules and regulations... But I have asked senior government officials to work out a method where I can continue my present busy life, meeting people and visiting places,” Mr Naidu said.
He said after his name was cleared for Vice President, external affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj told him: 'Venkaiahji you will miss two things which you are used to, one is pravas (tours) and another is the Press.'
“What she said was correct. I must somehow make adjustments to continue my habit of tour and talk.”He was asked whether he would continue to wear his adda pancha and full sleeve lalchi. “I have already made inquiries and officials told me there is no specific attire for the Vice President. Hence I have decided to continue the same attire. I feel comfortable in this attire. If there is a ceremonial function that requires different attire, I will think about it then," he replied.
Commenting on his ex-officio post of Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, Mr Naidu said, "It is a great opportunity for me to become Chairman of the House in which I was a member for 20 years. I believe no predecessor of mine has had this distinction of serving the House for so long and becoming its Chairman.
“I believe the Opposition has a major role in exposing the Government and bringing people's issues before the House. I want to give more time to the Opposition in this regard, but it is also my duty to allow government to complete its business. Let government propose, Opposition oppose, and ultimately the House disposes of the issue,” Mr Naidu said.
