In the Congress hierarchy, he enjoyed an enviable position being a member of the Congress Working Committee for many years. - Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed

A man of high principles, he worked for the country long and loyally, adding lustre to our traditions of tolerance and selfless service. A devout Muslim, he personified compassion and humanity which are the core of all religions and was thus an illustrious symbol of our secularism.
He labored with utter devotion for the uplift of his state and soon his field of work expanded to embrace the entire country.
He dealt with every issue with patience, calm and a sense of fairplay. In many delicate international missions which he undertook on behalf of the Government, his earnestness and dignity enhanced India’s prestige.

He was rudely woken up at midnight on 25 June 1975 and asked to sign the emergency proclamation which he faithfully did. Its effect was telling in six hours, with Newspapers without news and the entire opposition in jail.

He continued in the council of Minister till July 1974 and resigned as he was proposed for the office of the President of India. He was the second person who had been selected by the Party High Command, particularly Indira Gandhi, for the August Office. This was the highest example of national integration and communal harmony of the Indian Democracy.