The three Rajya Sabha members whose term ends on August 18 include Sitaram Yechury from the CPI(M), D Bandyopadhyay from the Trinamool Congress and Dilip Pandya from the BJP
Rajya Sabha witnessed some emotional moments as three members - Sitaram Yechury of CPM, D Bandopadhyay of TMC and Dilipbhai Pandya of BJP bid farewell to the House on Thursday. Their term comes to an end on August 18.
Bidding adieu to the Rajya Sabha, Yechury said, "I leave with a hope that this August, the House will strengthen the internal strength of India. We have to look inwards and expands outwards."
Candid as always, Yechury said, when you impose uniformity, the country will implode. We have to strengthen the commonality of diversity.
"Let us not target any group for narrow, petty, short-term prospects. We are living in the times of post-truth...This post-truth is not the Indian reality," Yechury said .
Recalling his 45 years association with leader of the house, Arun Jaitley, Yechury said, "We will continue to debate."
Touching cords with many members, Yechury said, unity of my country and harmony of the society is non-negotiable. "I was born to Telugu-speaking parents in Madras. My wife was born to a Sufi and Rajput. The identity of my son is Indian. This is my story. This is the story of every Indian, let us not change this," said Yechury referring to the growing intolerance.
He had special words for the parliament's staff. Asking the Chair to take care of them, Yechury said, "I salute the parliamentary staff, Marshalls and best stenographers of the world. There is a lot of outsourcing going on. I hope the Parliament is not outsourced some day. These staff saved us during Parliament attack. Please take care of them, they are the invisible bones of the Parliament."
Reflecting his association with the House, D Bandhopadhyay said, all members were considerate to this old man who was new to this House. My only regret is I can't use this experience anywhere because my final exit is coming soon.
Dilipbhai Pandya said, I never thought I would become an MP. I was elected with Ahmed Patel and Smriti Irani. People hardly know me then. People know me now.
Jairam Ramesh recalled the contribution of Bandhopadhyay for playing a stellar role in land acquisition and forest rights bills.
"In spite of all difference we had, I'll miss Yechury," said Ramesh adding that the Left may not always be right but it is essential.
Overpowered by emotions, Ram Gopal Yadav of SP said, "Yechury used to sit next to me in the House. He will not be there from tomorrow. But I will continue to remember him.
TERM ENDS
- The three Rajya Sabha members whose term ends on August 18 include Sitaram Yechury from the CPI(M), D Bandyopadhyay from the Trinamool Congress and Dilip Pandya from the Bharatiya Janata Party.
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