Paying rich tributes to former prime minister Chandrashekhar on his death anniversary, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath today described him as "a socialist leader in the true sense".
"Chandrashekhar was a socialist leader in the true sense. The country will always remember him for strengthening the democratic traditions. He used to say India's economy could be strengthened through domestic and cottage industries. He always raised issues pertaining to the welfare of poor, farmers, labourers and the deprived sections of the society in Parliament. He was also chosen as the best parliamentarian," Adityanath said here.
He also released a book on the former prime minister at the Central Hall of the Uttar Pradesh Vidhan Sabha Bhawan.
"Chandrashekhar never had any issue with designations and prestige and was a strong supporter of Indian traditions. He was a symbol of ideological revolution. He was of the view that the ultimate aim of an ideology should be welfare of the country and its people. He believed in doing politics while staying within the ambit of the Constitution and through democratic means. It was for this reason that when Emergency was declared in 1975, he left the Congress," Adityanath said.
Stating that the former prime minister was in favour of a common civil code, the chief minister said, "He used to say that for the welfare of the nation and society, it is essential that there should be an equal law for all."
Speaking on the occasion, Uttar Pradesh Assembly Speaker Hriday Narayan Dixit said, "The personality and actions of Chandrashekhar continue to motivate us."