The Hindu : National : Humour amid war of words

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Wednesday, Apr 27, 2005

National

National

Humour amid war of words

Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI: The battle lines were clearly drawn, and tempers ran high. Still, members of the Lok Sabha had no difficulty burying their differences when the occasion so demanded on Tuesday. So infectious was the moment that the man who provided the humour — the former Prime Minister, Atal Bihari Vajpayee — could not help but join in.

In one of his increasingly rare appearances in the Lok Sabha, Mr. Vajpayee while commenting on public morality said about his vast Parliamentary experience: "I've been a member of this House for almost 50 years. Par maine kabhi bhi sadan ki maryaada ka paalan nahin kiya (But I have never maintained the dignity of the House).'' Realising his faux pas as members across the floor burst into peals of laughter, he quickly corrected himself and replaced "paalan'' with "ulanghan" (violated).

But, there was no undoing the slip of the tongue and Mr. Vajpayee knew it only too well, joining members in enjoying a joke at his own expense as some of the never-say-die members from the ruling benches shot back: "For the first time, you are speaking the truth.''

Having had a tough day managing the House — to the extent that he once again made an offer to step down — the Speaker, Somnath Chatterjee, welcomed the change in mood.

"After a long time there is some laughter in this House.''

However, the Speaker's joy was short-lived as rancour — that has been the staple of Parliament the past two days — returned to hold the proceedings to ransom for the rest of the day.

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