Somnath speaks his mind, bids adieu to LS

New Delhi: The 14th Lok Sabha, characterised by the least number of sittings and possibly the most disruptions, a number of scams including the cash for votes, concluded on Thursday.

It wasn't an easy task for the man presiding over the lower house.

Speaker Somanth Chatterjee, the first from the Left and also the first to be expelled from his party while holding office, on Thursday bared his heart.

He left the House of power with some words of wisdom for unruly MPs.

The Speaker's last speech on the last day of the 14th Lok Sabha was not without a hint of controversy. He recalled the moments of pandemonium, unruly behaviour and chaos.

"I am pained to say that the politics of intense confrontation through running to the well of the House and walk outs etc. have eroded the people's faith in this great institution," said Somnath.

There was unusual bonhomie in the post-lunch final session. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's speech read out in his absence lauded Somnath Chatterjee.

"Mr Speaker sir in transacting business in this Parliament you have set yourself as a role model," said the speech which was read out by Pranab Mukharjee.

A grudging note of appreciation came from Leader of the Opposition, LK Advani.

Advani also reminded everybody that the real battle of the ballot was just around the corner.

"I appreciate you for discharging your duties as a Speaker," said Advani.

Somnath didn't thank his party's bosses but he was grateful to his political mentor.

"I cannot but recall the great guidance, encouragement and affection that I received from my leader particularly comrade Jyoti Basu," said the Speaker.

He also defended his decision to stay on as Speaker even after expulsion by his party.

"I took a considered decision to stand by the Constitution of India and not allowed myself to take a course of action which would in my view have severely compromised my position as Speaker of the supreme legislature on this country," he said.

Outside the House, he recalled with horror the moment which according to him stands out in the five years of the 14th Lok Sabha.

"July 22, 2008 (when three MPs alleged that they were bribed to vote in favour of the UPA and showed bundles of notes in the Lok Sabha) when those notes were shown," Somnath replied when asked which according to him was the worst day in Parliament.

The speaker has many more tales to share which he is likely to pen down in his book.

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