Indian Parliament's tribute to Shinzo Abe: Japan's assassinated ex-PM remembered as 'dear friend'

The Monsoon session of both the houses of the Parliament began on July 18. New members took oath and tributes were paid to those who passed away in the past year.

Session began at 11 AM in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha with the national anthem being played out and then new members proceeded to take the Oath of Affirmation in the presence of the Speaker and the Chairman respectively.

Lok Sabha speaker Om Birla paid homage to three foreign dignitaries including former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe who passed away on July 08. He mourned Japan's loss saying that the country lost a visionary leader that day.

He also made obituary references to eight former Members of Parliament who died recently.

Meanwhile, in the Upper House of the Parliament several newly-elected members took oath and then Vice President and Chairman of Rajya Sabha Venkaiah Naidu read out obituaries for former Japanese PM Shinzo Abe, ex-UAE President Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and former Kenyan president Mwai Kibaki.

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The Chairman also paid tribute to former members Kishore Kumar Mohanty, Robert Kharshiing, KK Veerappan and santoor player Pandit Shivkumar Sharma.

A moment of silence was observed in both the Houses for the people who passed away.

While remembering the former Japan PM, the Speaker and the Chairman recalled the contributions made by Abe to foster good relations between India and Japan also stating that he shared a special bond with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

They went on to mention that Shinzo Abe was conferred with the Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian honour for his exceptional service in the field of Public Affairs.

The proceedings in Lok Sabha were adjourned till 2 PM while the Rajya Sabha Chairman adjourned proceedings for the day after several Congress members trooped into the Well of the House and started raising slogans.

"As some people have come determined not to allow the House to function and also enable members to go and vote in the Presidential election, I am adjourning the House for the day," the Chairman said as he adjourned the proceedings.

Members of the Upper and Lower House of the Parliament as well as Members of Legislative Assemblies will cast their vote on Monday to elect India's 15th President.

(with PTI inputs)

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