Telangana camaraderie in LS on last day

• Govt, oppn vie to take credit for the ‘toughest Bill’
• PM terms Food Security Bill a landmark legislation
• Both Houses are adjourned sine die
• No crucial anti-graft Bills, espoused by Rahul, passed

New Delhi: For a change, the creation of Telangana was instrumental in creating an atmosphere of camaraderie in the Lok Sabha that had only recently witnessed a new low with an MP resorting to pepper spray in the House.

On the last day of the 15th Lok Sabha, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Union Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde and Leader of the Opposition Sushma Swaraj patted themselves on their back for passing the toughest legislation. While the Prime Minister and the Home Minister, in their valedictory address, thanked Sushma Swaraj for her cooperation, the latter was pleased that the historic legislation of Telangana was passed during this very Lok Sabha, although it had been pending for 60 years.

It was an emotional moment for all, including Speaker Meira Kumar, as the leaders could find themselves in different roles in the next Lok Sabha.

Sushma Swaraj, in a lighter vein, said that she could not wish the MPs victory, implying that it was the BJP which was destined to come to power; however, she wished them good luck.

The Prime Minister in his last address in Parliament said, "The manner in which Telangana is born is an indication that this country is capable of taking some of the most difficult decisions, without rancour."

He said that on certain crucial matters the Lower House had the capacity to rise above partisan politics and find pathways of national reconciliation. The creation of the Telangana State, which had been pending for the last 60 years, ultimately saw the light of the day.

In his brief address, the Prime Minister referred to the landmark legislation of Food Security and said that the people would now have an opportunity to judge the performance, weaknesses and achievements of the government in the upcoming elections. His wife Gursharan Kaur was sitting in the visitor's gallery to hear him speak for the last time in Parliament.

Union Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde was at his best when he profusely thanked Sushma Swaraj for her cooperation in passing the Telangana Bill. He went on to say, "Aap ki baat mein mithaas hai, jo mithai khaane se bhi nahi hoti" (your voice is sweet. It is sweeter than having sweets). Shinde said that the triangle of ladies in theHouse, with Speaker Meira Kumar, UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Leader of the Opposition Sushma Swaraj, was historic and wondered if they could witness such a spectacle in future. Talking about the

Telangana Bill, he admitted that at one point of time, he. too, feared that the MPs would bounce on him but eventually with the help of everyone the Bill was passed.

Leader of the Opposition Sushma Swaraj, while remembering sweet and sour memories of her tenure, termed Telangana as the historic legislation besides referring to Lokpal Bill, Land Acquisition Bill, Manual Scavenging and Street-Vendors Bill. Taking dig at Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kamal Nath, she said that while he

"complicated" issues, Leader of the House Sushil Kumar Shinde "resolved" them with the "mediation" of UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi.

Both Houses of Parliament were adjourned sine die without passing the crucial anti-graft Bills, which were being espoused by AICC Vice President Rahul Gandhi.