The farewell speeches had a fair share of light moments with some members taking jibes even as others gave important suggestions like finding a replacement for Central Hall in the new Parliament building, allowing former members entry into the complex and increasing the pension given to retired members.
Modi emphasised that farewells are always bitter-sweet as retiring members move on to other important roles in life. “There is no full stop in politics. The future is waiting for you,” he said, adding that the contribution of these members will be remembered.
The prime minister praised the performance of former PM Deve Gowda, Kharge in the House and hoped the new members will learn from them and other veterans who are returning for another term. He also praised Harivansh for shouldering the responsibility of deputy chairman when the House was charged up on some issue.
“In public life, when any important decision has to be taken, it is suggested that a second opinion from some senior and experienced person be taken. Similarly, important issues come to the Upper House for a second opinion which gives the matter a new perspective,” Modi said.
The members who are retiring in March and had the privilege of working in April got the opportunity to work in both the old and the new Parliament buildings.
Kharge recalled the words of former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee and said people engaged in public life do not retire or get tired and continue to serve society. In a lighter vein, he told Modi that Deve Gowda had been on the side of Congress for decades but surprisingly made the switch to NDA during his prime ministership for some “unknown” reason.He underlined that the Opposition also plays an important role and there should be cooperation and not hatred between the two sides. “Longer sessions are good as it facilitates elaborate discussions on Bills and an opportunity for all to speak, making the Bills better,” he said.
Kharge also rued that words of the Opposition are often expunged which will make the opposition “meaningless”.
Harivansh, who was praised by several retiring members for smooth conduct of the House, expressed gratitude to JDU supremo Nitish Kumar for sending him to Rajya Sabha. He cited examples of how the House has evolved and modernised over the years since he became a member in 2014 and underlined that the reforms suggested by various committees be implemented.
“Earlier the House used to be conducted but now at times it has to be controlled. We should give this a thought,” he said.
Digvijay Singh (Cong) underlined that he has never compromised on his ideology and though he had differences with other parties there was never any ill-will. He alleged that there is a growing rift in society which is not good for the country. On passing of Bills in the din, Singh said Chairman Hamid Ansari never allowed it, but this practice is missed now.
Floor leaders of parties and other retiring members spoke about the contribution of their peers and their learning experience. Tiruchi Siva (DMK) said this is “not end of the road but bend of the road” for retiring members while Derek O’Brien (TMC) said these MPs have set a record as they saw three chairpersons –– M Venkaiah Naidu, Jagdeep Dhankhar and CP Radhakrishnan –– during their term.
Sanjay Singh (AAP) suggested that the earlier practice of allowing entry to retired members into the building should be restored while PC Gupta (RJD) lamented there is no Central Hall in the new Parliament House. M Thambidurai (AIADMK), who had earlier served as Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha for two terms, described Parliament as his second home.
John Brittas (CPI-M) maintained there is “nothing called impartiality” while conducting proceedings but praised Harivansh for upholding the dignity of the House.
