Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Monday led the Rajya Sabha in felicitating Hamid Ansari on his second term as Vice President and Chairman of the House saying his re-election was a tribute to his qualities.
When the House met for the day, Prime Minister stood up tofelicitate and congratulate Ansari, who took oath as the Vice President for hissecond term on Saturday.
"In you we have a distinguished personality who hasserved the country in diverse fields...you have served the country with greatdistinction," Singh said referring to Ansari's illustrious career as adiplomat and academician.
He said in all the roles given to him, Ansari has"served the country with great distinction."
"That you have been chosen for a second term, is atribute to your qualities," he said.
Singh said it was "good fortune" that Ansari hasbeen presiding over the Upper House. "Our government will extend fullestpossible cooperation in smooth functioning of the House," he said.
As Ansari's family watched from visitor's gallery, leadersfrom all parties heaped praise on his illustrious career, his simplicity andthe most dignified manner in which he conducted the House during the past fiveyears.
Leader of the Opposition Arun Jaitley said Ansari had arecord of public service before he assumed the office of Vice President for thefirst time five years ago.
Ansari occupying the Vice President's post for the secondtime "adds to dignity of the office," he said.
"It requires both art and science in administering andrunning the House," he said adding Ansari had given space to every kind ofopinion.
Jaitley said he admired Ansari's quality of givingopportunity to every member to express his opinion in the House as well as inhis chamber and his ability to ease tension.
Ansari's speeches are "best recorded documents" onvaried subjects in contemporary times, he said.
