Thursday was the last day in office for Vice-President Hamid Ansari. The members of Rajya Sabha joined hands to bid farewell to Mr. Ansari, who was the Chairman of the House for 10 years.
The Lok Sabha held a discussion on floods as some members have moved a Calling Attention notice.
As it happened
3:40 pm | Rajya Sabha
When I leave, I leave with a hope this august House will strengthen the internal strength of India. We have to look inwards and expands outwards, says YEchury.
When you impose uniformity, the country will implode. We have to strengthen the commonality of diversity, he says. Let us not target any group for narrow, petty, short-term prospects. We are living in the times of post-truth, he says. This post-truth is not Indian reality, he says.
Mr. Yechury recalls his 45 years association with Mr. Jaitley. We will continue to debate, he says. We are a young nation. If we can give our youth education, health and jobs, we can create a better India, he says.
Unity of my country and harmony of the society is non-negotiable, he says. I was born to a 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, he says.
3:20 pm | Rajya Sabha
Sitaram Yechury says he is overwhelmed by the words from every member. A special mention to his bench-mate Mr. Yadav, whenever I see right, I'll remember you. I thank you for everything the House has given to me. I entered this House reluctantly. I always thought I should stay away from the Parliament.
Since the time I came here, I learnt a lot. 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, he says.
3:13 pm | Rajya Sabha
D. Bandhopadhyay begins saying for once I stand not to oppose anything. All members were considerate to this old man who was new to this House, he says. My only regret is I can't use this experience anywhere because my final exit is coming soon, he says.
Dilip Pandya says it is an honour for me to leave this august House with 'Sita Ram.' I joined the RSS shaka at eight years. Lakshman Rai who was the guru of Mr. Modi is my guru too. 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, thanks to them, he says a reference to the recent Rajya Sabha election.
3:10 pm | Rajya Sabha
Jairam Ramesh recalls the contribution of Mr. Bandhopadhyay. He played stellar role in land acquisition and forest rights bills. His report on tackling LWE has been adopted by two consecutive governments.
In spite of all difference we had, I'll miss Mr. Yechury, he says. The Left may not always be right but it is essential, he says.
3:00 pm | Rajya Sabha
Not many know that Mr. Bandhopadhyay was part of Singur movement. His inputs on land reforms are important. Debuda is a man of humility, says Derek O'Brein.
Mr. Yechury and I may be ideologically different. Our parties have fought bitterly, but in the House we are in the aisle, that is the power of democracy.
Ali Anwar Ansari says the breed of politicians like those retiring today are a rare breed and I hope more such people come here.
2:50 pm | Rajya Sabha
Ram Gopal Yadav (SP) says Mr. Yechury used to sit next to me in the House. He will not be there from tomorrow. But I will continue to remember him. Mr. Bandopadyay is the first person to come to the House every time, he says. Mr. Yadav turns emotional.
Navaneethakrishnan (AIADMK) says Yechury is a role model, every citizen should follow him.
Tiruchi Siva (DMK) says it is not retirement, it is only conclusion of service in the House. We might have come from various parties, different ideologies, but we were all united here. Mr. Pandya is a cool member. Mr. Bandopadhyay is the first to come and last to leave.
D. Raja (CPI) says he is overwhelmed by the moving words of members on "my own comrade" Sitaram Yechury. We are comrades in arms and continue to be comrades in arms. Mr. Bandopadhyay used to call me 'Tawarish,' I'll miss that. I used to work with Mr. Pandya in committees, he recalls.
2:40 pm | Lok Sabha
Lok Sabha is discussing State Banks Bill, which approves merger of the associated banks with the State Bank.
2:30 pm | Rajya Sabha
Ghulam Nabi Azad speaks. The Upper House has a special place. B.R. Ambedkar and Rajkumari Amrit Kaur were members of this House. He goes on to name eminent personalities who were members of the House. Three Presidents and five Prime Ministers were members of Rajya Sabha. Rajya Sabha is a treasure.
He congratulates the members who have been re-elected. Mr. Azad heaps praise on Mr. Yechury, says is one of those who is not only a leader of the party but a leader for the country.
Bengal might not have a position that Mr. Bandyopadhyay have not occupied. He is one of the few members who stay throughout the session from morning till the end.
It is unfortunate that we couldn't hear much of Dilip Pandya. He is part of the organisation since eight years. He should have occupied the first Bench, he says.
2:20 pm | Rajya Sabha
It's a day of farewell speeches in Rajya Sabha. Arun Jaitley says three colleagues are retiring while others have been re-elected. "Almost every member of the House, leaves his impact on policy formulation and legislation," he says.
Mr. Jaitley recalls how he and Sitaram Yechury were contemporary since university days. He is a veteran in politics as well as House business. As a student, he would participate in every debate. He is the same even now. Mr. Yechury raised the level of the debate, he says.
Mr. Yechury was never part of any government. So he has the liberty of making several suggestions that are idealistic but not practical. I hope he is part of government someday so that he'll to give pragmatic suggestions, he says on a lighter note. I hope he comes back to the House sooner or later, he says.
2:15 pm | Lok Sabha
House reassembles. The State Banks (amendments and repeal) Bill is taken up for discussion.
2.00 p.m. | Rajya Sabha
PJ Kurien chairs the Upper House. Members lay their papers on the table.
Today we bid farewell to nine colleagues — Sitaram Yechury, Ahmed Patel, Derek O'Brien, Dola Sen, Sukendu Shekar Roy, D Bandyopadhyay, Smriti Irani and Dilip Pandya.
"You can be proud of your role in nation building. However, in a multi party set up like ours, dissent in expressed in many ways. But I hope you'll forget and forgive. The Parliamentary experience, in no doubt is an invaluable asset," Mr. Kurien says.
1.09 p.m. | Lok Sabha
House adjourned to meet at 2.15 p.m.
1.00 p.m. | Rajya Sabha
Chairman Hamid Ansari makes his final statement.
Honourable leaders, members of Rajya Sabha, when I was welcomed in this House, an eminent leader gave a peace of advice. I discovered in these years that wishing to be friends is quick work but friendship is a slow ripening fruit. It needs to be nurtured. The Chair is like a refree/umpire but without becoming a player. This House is a creation of the constitution.
I'd like to recall the words of the most distinguished of the predecessors, Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan.
As I leave this chair, I wish the Rajya Sabha well. I thank the Secretary General.
The House is adjourned till 2 p.m.
1.00 p.m. | Lok Sabha
Speaker ends the Calling Attention motion discussion on floods across country.
Speaker permits BJD MP Bhartruhari Mahtab to raise Zero Hour notice on flooding in Odisha.
12.50 p.m. | Rajya Sabha
Hon'ble Deputy Chairman PJ Kurien: "You were par excellence in whatever post you had. It was a privilege to work with you, you've protected, supported and guided me. Hope you live a long life."
Nominated MP Roopa Ganguly: "I had the privilege to receive a national award from you. A deaf and mute baby was thrown away. Please come to Bengal whenever you have free time and save us from this frustration and share your wisdom."
12.50 p.m. | Lok Sabha
MoS, Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju: "₹400 crore was given for Brahmaputra flood control.
It is not true that we haven't given relief for West Bengal. ₹100 crore was given for disaster control. ₹30 crore was given to Bengal govt for desilting of Damodar Valley. ₹130 crore in total."
Piyush Gopal: "By August 15, 2022, electricity to reach all homes."
12.40 p.m. | Rajya Sabha
MoS Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Rajiv Pratap Rudy to Mr. Ansari: "You'll be a part of our assignments and I like to share moments with you again, Sir."
AIADMK MP V. Maitreyan: "I still vividly remember your initial years. Ahluwalia, Naresh Agarwal and myself were three musketeers who used to bother the House. But inspite of our repeated over indulgence, you were so kind to give me ample opportunities. I wish you a long and a healthy life. I wish you score a century."
"I am looking at the watch. I have to call on Rashtrapati ji," says Mr. Ansari.
Karnataka INC MP K. Rahman Khan: "Hope you live a long life. Even after this journey, hope you continue your duty towards the nation."
Nominated MP Anu Aga: "You have brought dignity to this House. You have remained impartial and fair. We will miss your dignified presence and wish you best of health."
Nominated MP K. Parasaran, JDU MP Veerendra Kumar, Dr. Narendra Jadhav add their views and wish luck to Mr. Ansari.
12.30 p.m. | Lok Sabha
West Bengal AITC MP Prof Saugata Roy: "24 states affected by floods including Gujarat, Assam. West Bengal is the most affected. Six regions of Bengal are badly flooded. Crops are washed away. PM announced package for Gujarat and Assam, but not for West Bengal."
12.30 p.m. | Rajya Sabha
Former PM Manmohan Singh to Chairman Hamid Ansari, "You have have been a friend, philosopher and guide."
Telangana INC MP Anand Bhaskar Rapolu: "As I used to get several chance of supplementary, you have laid a wonderful model to the parliamentary practices."
Karnataka's Independent MP Rajeev Chandrasekar, Kerala IUML MP Abdul Wahab, YSRCP MP V. Vijaysai Reddy, MoS Social Justice and Empowerment Ramdas Athavale wish Mr. Ansari good luck.
12.20 p.m. | Lok Sabha
Lok Sabha calls attention to problems due to floods in different parts of the country and the steps taken by the govt. Assam INC MP Gourav Gogoi: "60% of the funds due to the state of Assam is yet to be released from the Cente. Flood management programs are delayed. Rivers are eating up lands. When will the govt wake up?"
"Why only ₹2,000 crore for the whole of North East?," asks Mr. Gogoi.
12.20 p.m. | Rajya Sabha
Jammu and Kashmir PDP MP Nazir Ahmad Laway says he is grateful in working with Mr. Ansari, praises his secularist approach. "When Mufti Saab sent me to the parliament, he asked me to learn from Chairman Ansari."
CPI MP D. Raja: "We learnt a great deal of things from you. I used the word 'genocide' for the first time. It was later accepted and nothing unparliamentary."
12.10 p.m. | Rajya Sabha
Tiruchi Selva, DMK MP from Tamil Nadu: "Many members focused attention of various attributes of you as a politician, as a Chairman, as a cricketer. But as an individual, we have learnt a lot from you, I had the opportunity to travel abroad with you where I saw a different dimension of you — your magnanimity, tolerance and humility.. You were concerned about the country. You have given simple solutions to bigger issues. It is not an exaggeration to appreciate you.
I appreciate your passing of Women's Reservation Bill and impeachment of a HC judge.
Something that I learnt from the North Indian members here, Kabhi Alvida na kehna," to which members thump on their tables.
Punjab SAD MP Naresh Gujral: "You recognised our independent group. This Chair lends dignity to the person occupying it but with you, it is the other way around. We wish you good health and many years in the service of the nation."
12 noon | Lok Sabha
Papers are being laid on the table.
12 noon | Rajya Sabha
Maharashtra NCP MP Majeed Memon: "We would miss you being here, you've been a teacher, you've taught us law. This is a big loss for us. I know you'll continue to be a great asset in the future. Hope your activities continue with good health. You've accomplished the job in an excellent manner."
Uttar Pradesh BSP MP Veer Singh: "You've given us all time to express our points. You are a writer too, hope your writing continues. I wish you all the best on behalf of our party."
TDP MP C.M. Ramesh: "On behalf of Chandrababu Naidu, I thank you for your advice during Andhra Pradesh bifurcation. You understood my situation. I appreciate your discipline and the way you stick to a certain subject during matters of discussion."
Odisha BJD MP Dilip Kumar Tirkey wishes Mr. Ansari: "We had organised hockey for tribal youth. You visited and supported us. We have learnt a lot from you. Thank you."
11.50 a.m. | Lok Sabha
Piyush Goyal, MoS.(Ind.) Power, Coal and Mines discusses outstanding debt of DISCOMS: India produces the best smart meters. Our aim is to bring the cost of Smart meters below ₹1000.
"It is the central govt that is implementing rural electricity and not state govt. Smart meters, are they from Gujarat or China?," asks Tathagata Satpathy, to which Mr. Goyal replies, "I requested Odisha to expedite the electrification work. Due to the failure of the state, we initiated the work. BGCIL & NTPC took it up because of failure of state. Odisha govt didn't take up tenders."
11.50 a.m. | Rajya Sabha
Bihar JD(U) MP Ali Anwar Ansari takes his turn in bidding farewell to Mr. Ansari.
West Bengal CPI(M) MP Sitaram Yechury: You stood like a rock in defence of this House. You had a distinguished career. I recollected the reputation that you came with, apart from the glorious reputation you had, you were known as the best umpire that Aligarh University ever produced. You have conducted it all in a very meticulous fashion."
11.30 a.m. | Rajya Sabha
West Bengal AITC MP Derek O'Brien: "You still look 60, when you're closer to 70."
Mr. Ansari replies, "Wrong," with a smile.
Mr. O'Brien: "You haven't had lunch in the last 40 years. All you have for lunch, are sandwiches. That's why you look so young. You introduced cricket in Iran. You have seven dogs in your home. After this ten year journey, you're moving on. You're walking across the road. You're going to 31, APJ Abdul Kalam Road."
"I end my term in a few days from now. What I learnt is that Rajya Sabha would run from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Congratulations on increasing it by one hour. Now 15 of us can express ourselves everyday due to the time limit of 3 minutes you've set. Even if a member ducks a question, you came up with a move that someone else can answer a supplementary. This was the smartest of all your moves. Now there is no way to duck the question.
The most meaningful of them all, you gave a name to the morning club, the tea-club. You and many of my colleagues and my party and myself, I know your roots are in Kolkata. We know you'll be living in Delhi, but please come back home, to Kolkata. You have never lost your sense of humour. You must be an inspiration to all pensioners. Thank you for inspiring all of us."
11.30 a.m. | Lok Sabha
BJP's Karnataka MP Prahlad Joshi from Dharwad talks about water scarcity in Karnataka and de-notifying of lakes.
11.20 a.m. | Rajya Sabha
Uttar Pradesh's Samajwadi Party MP Ram Gopal Yadav appreciates Mr. Ansari's efforts and wishes him a long life on his party's behalf.
Tamil Nadu AIADMK MP A. Navaneethakrishnan: "I thank Honourable Amma for giving me this opportunity. Discipline is the most important character in this House. Our Honourable Chairman dealt many issues without any discrimination or bias."
11.10 a.m. | Lok Sabha
MPs discuss shortage of water during Question Hour in Lok Sabha.
11:00 a.m.|Rajya Sabha
As Rajya Sabha Chairman Hamid Ansari chairs the Upper House, Leader of the House Arun Jaitley wishes Mr. Ansari all the best and praises his leadership skills and wishes him good luck.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi appreciates Mr. Ansari in making him understand a career diplomat's role. "I appreciate your insights after my international tours. I am grateful to you and your talent in leading a way for the nation," Mr. Modi told Mr. Ansari.
Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad wishes him the best and says he is grateful to Mr. Ansari's strength in confidence-building measures, his honorary degrees from three countries, appreciates the books he has written and praises him being the best Chairman compared to the others. "You've been running sessions with diplomacy. You're a sportsman too. Now I think you will have time to play golf. I wish Allah give you a long life. "
