New Delhi, Oct. 23 -- Vice President C P Radhakrishnan on Friday described Congress veteran A K Antony as a "true nationalist, a true patriot and a true Gandhian", saying political differences should not prevent one from appreciating the qualities of another leader.
Radhakrishnan was speaking at the launch of Advantage India: Reshaping the Future for an Equitable World Order, authored by Anil K Antony, BJP national secretary and son of the former Kerala chief minister.
Highlighting Antony's political career, the vice president said he had maintained personal integrity and adhered to his principles while holding important positions, including that of chief minister and defence minister.
Radhakrishnan also called Antony a "true secularist", citing his approach towards religious institutions of different faiths.
He said Antony maintained a similar distance from the authorities of churches, temples and mosques, describing this as an example of genuine secularism.
"Political differences do not mean that I cannot appreciate the goodness of a great legend of Indian politics," Radhakrishnan said.
Praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, the vice president said India was witnessing a period of remarkable transformation. He compared Modi's place in history to that of former US President Abraham Lincoln, who is remembered for his role in ending slavery.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.