Sushma Swaraj praises Sonia, moves Advani to tears

mangaloretoday.com/ NDTV

New Delhi, Feb 21, 2014 (PTI): Speaker Meira Kumar and senior BJP leader LK Advani listen to Opposition leader Sushma Swaraj on the last day of the winter session of the 15th Lok Sabha, in New Delhi on Friday.

Putting behind the acrimony witnessed during the session, Leader of the Opposition Sushma Swaraj today praised Sonia Gandhi and other Congress leaders, returning the accolades received in the Lok Sabha.

Swaraj, who had once said that she will tonsure her head if Sonia Gandhi becomes Prime Minister, today said she was a graceful leader.
As she spoke for the last time in the 15th Lok Sabha, which was today adjourned sine die, Swaraj showered praise on BJP patriarch L K Advani who was seen with moist eyes.

 

Swaraj, who was at her witty best, drew applause from members as she mentioned that Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kamal Nath tried "shararat (mischief)" ways, while Leader of the House Sushilkumar Shinde displayed "sharafat (decency)".

Besides, she said UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi’s gracefulness and the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s gentleness helped in conduct of the 15th Lok Sabha.
While Swaraj appreciated the "nayay priyata (judicious)" approach of Advani, the BJP patriarch was seen with moist eyes and trying hard to control his tears.
"We are going back with so many sweet and sour memories," Swaraj said.
When the history of the 15th Lok Sabha is written, it will say that for most of the time there were interruptions but most awaited bills were also passed during this time, she noted.

She mentioned that many important bills including those related to Telangana, street vendors and land acquisition were passed in the 15th Lok Sabha.
"We oppose each other but we are not enemies... We oppose ideologies," she said.Swaraj also said that she cannot bless them victory but can wish them glory. "We should contest (elections) with dignity," she added.


’Father of the House’ Advani breaks down on last day of 15th Lok Sabha


BJP patriarch and former deputy prime minister L.K. Advani nearly broke down in the Lok Sabha during the concluding session of the House. Friends and political opponents alike showered praises on Advani for exemplary conduct in Parliament.

 

Advani is the senior-most Member of Parliament. He first became an MP in 1971. He has excelled as a parliamentarian by virtue of his understanding and articulation of complex issues. He is widely acknowledged, even by his opponents to be a stickler for form and procedure and for his mastery of the rules and norms of the House.

At the concluding session, CPM MP Basudeb Acharia fondly referred to him as the ’Father of the House’, a refrain that was immediately picked up by all those who spoke at the valedictory session.

Advani was visibly moved when even Congress ministers like Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde and opponents like Mulayam Singh Yadav praised him but managed to keep his emotions in check.

However, when the Leader of the Opposition Sushma Swaraj in her speech mentioned that she had gained so much knowledge from his tutelage his emotions got the better of him and he could be seen wiping away his tears.