"Today is the day when Rajiv Gandhi laid down his life. He gave a lot to the country. He belonged to a family which has given the country a lot. Like him, his mother and former PM Indira Gandhi too had to give up her life while leading the country," he said.
"This is an unparalleled contribution. One cannot think of many examples across the world matching their sacrifice," Naik said at Phaphamau, on the outskirts of the city.
Naik was addressing at a two-day seminar organized by the Uttar Pradesh Rajarshi Tandon Open University (UPRTOU), which centres around "Women's Human Rights, Social Movements and Empowerment-Challenges and Opportunities".
Naik expressed concern over "delays in the completion of government projects and the ensuing escalation in costs" and hoped "this public facility, which is meant for girl students of the University, does not meet a similar fate".
Later, talking to journalists, Naik declined to comment on the spat between Delhi Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung and Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, saying "the matter has now reached the President who must be taking stock of the situation. It would not be proper for anybody else to speak on the issue at this stage".