Lok Sabha Debates
Offered Felicitations To The Deputy Speaker And In Reply Shri P.M. Sayeed, The ... on 17 December, 1998
NT> Title: Offered felicitations to the Deputy Speaker and in reply Shri P.M. Sayeed, the Deputy Speaker, thanked the Speaker and the members.
प्रधान मंत्री (श्री अटल बिहारी वाजपेयी): अध्यक्ष महोदय, मैं श्री सईद को उनके उपाध्यक्ष निर्वाचित होने पर बहुत-बहुत बधाई देता हूं, उनका अभिनन्दन करता हूं। "देर आए, दुरुस्त आए" मगर देर सईद साहब के व्यकितत्व से जुड़े हुए किसी सवाल को लेकर नहीं थी, देर इसलिए हुई कि परम्परा का पालन किस तरह से किया जाए। सईद साहब से इस सदन में और सदन के बाहर संबंध स्थापित करने का मौका मिला है। वह बड़े हंसमुख हैं, मितभाषी हैं और मिष्टभाषी हैं। वह कब कड़ा होना है, यह भी जानते हैं और कब नर्म होना है, यह भी जानते हैं। वह जिस सुंदर द्वीप के निवासी हैं, उस द्वीप की सुंदरता वह मुख्य भूमि में भी लेकर आए हैं। सदन के नौवीं बार सदस्य चुने गए हैं। मैं १९५७ में पहली बार आया और उसके बाद उनका पदार्पण हुआ। उन्होंने अनेक जिम्मेदारी के पद संभाले, मंत्री रहें, समतियों में रहें और समतियों के अध्यक्ष के रूप में भी दायित्व का निर्वाह किया और सबको साथ लेकर चलने का उन्होंने प्रयास किया, इसमें उन्हें सफलता भी मिली। अब उनके ऊपर एक नई जिम्मेदारी आ रही है। मैं उनकी सफलता की कामना करता हूं। अध्यक्ष महोदय, आपका भी बोझा थोड़ा कम हो जाएगा। मैं एक बार फिर सईद साहब को बधाई देता हूं। धन्यवाद।> श्री शरद पवार (बारामती) : अध्यक्ष महोदय, मैं सईद साहब का अभिनन्दन करने के लिए यहां खड़ा हूं। इस सदन में कई रिकार्ड श्री पी.एम.सईद साहब ने किए, जैसे प्रधान मंत्री जी ने कहा कि वह नौ बार इस सदन के सदस्य रहे हैं। इसमें एक बार अनअपोज्ड सदन में आने का मौका भी उनको मिला था। उम्र के २६ साल में यह सदन में आ गए और तब से आज तक लगातार इस सदन के सदस्य के रूप में बहुत अच्छा काम करते रहे हैं। शायद उनका यह रिकार्ड और हो सकता है कि उनके क्षेत्र लक्षयद्वीप में कुल वोटर्स की संख्या ३४ हजार है। यह भी इस सदन का एक रिकार्ड हो सकता है, जो मुझे मालूम नहीं है। उनकी एक स्पैशियलिटी और भी है और वह यह कि वे १९६७ से लगातार चुनकर आए हैं और तब से आजतक उनके खिलाफ एक ही कैंडिडेट खड़ा रहा है। श्री बसुदेव आचार्य : वह भी जनता दल का । श्री शरद पवार : अलग-अलग पार्टी से, जिस पार्टी की स्िथति अच्छी होती है, उस पार्टी से खड़े हो जाते हैं। इसलिए आज की परस्िथति को देखने के बाद सबको साथ लेकर चलने की आवश्यकता है। अपने क्षेत्र से इनका पूरा राजनीतिक कैरियर सबको साथ लेकर चलने का है। इस पद पर ये कामयाब होंगे, मुझे पूरा विश्वास है। मुझे व्यकितगत खुशी है, कयोंकि १९६७ से उन्होंने अपने राजनीतिक कैरियर की शुरूआत की और मैंने भी उसी साल से शुरू की। उस साल से हम दोंनों ही पार्िलयामेंट्री क्षेत्र में आए और आज तक इस कन्टीन्यूटी को रखने का मौका मिला है। मुझे खुशी है कि उनकी शुरूआत देश के लोकसभा से हुई और मेरी विधान सभा से हुई थी। आज मुझे उनके नजदीक बैठने का मौका मिला है। कई समतियों में उन्होंने काम किया है और केन्द्रीय सरकार में काम किया तथा भारत सरकार की तरफ से दो बार युनाइटेड नेशन्स में प्रतनधित्व किया। कई बार चेयरमैन के पैनल से सदन को किस तरह से चला सकते हैं, इसका कृत्य भी उन्होंने इस सदन के सामने दिखाया। मुझे विश्वास है कि उनका मार्गदर्शन सदन को मिलेगा और सदन को अपनी कार्यवाही चलाने के लिए मदद मिलेगी। उनका अनुभव हम लोगों को मिलेगा। मैं प्रधान मंत्री जी को धन्यवाद देना चाहता हूं कि विपक्ष को एक पद देने की जो परम्परा है, उस परम्परा को उन्होंने स्वीकार किया है। इसमें युनैनमिटी लाने में सभी राजनीतिक दलों ने सहयोग दिया। मैं खास तौर से त्ृाणमूल कांग्रेस की नेता, ममता बनर्जी और एआईएडीएमके की नेता, जयलिलता, का यहां उल्लेख करना चाहता हूं कि इस युनैनमिटी को लाने के लिए उन्होंने सदन से और सदन के बाहर बहुत मदद की। मुझे विश्वास है कि यह नई जिम्मेदारी, जो आज सईद साहब के ऊपर पड़ी है, इसमें वे कामयाब होंगे और विपक्ष की तरफ से इस काम में हमारा पूरा सहयोग रहेगा। यही मैं उनको विश्वास दिलाना चाहता हूं।
>SHRI INDRAJIT GUPTA (MIDNAPORE): Sir, ever since I have been in this House, I have watched my friend, Shri P.M. Sayeed, with great appreciation, respect and admiration the way he has always conducted himself whether as an ordinary Member, a Minister or Chairman of various Committees. What has been said here about him, only proves that he is eminently suitable for the choice which the House has made today in electing him as the Deputy Speaker of this House. He has never shown anger, impatience or any tendency to be subjective in his judgment or finding. He is eminently a person who can always be relied upon to show the utmost impartiality and to treat the House and all the Members here with utmost respect.
I, on behalf of my Party, extend our warmest felicitations to him and assure him of our utmost cooperation in helping him to discharge his duties in a way which will bring him further credit in addition to whatever credit he has already accumulated in these many years.
I have nothing further to say. I am extremely happy and all Members here, I am sure, are happy with the choice of the House that has fallen unanimously on Shri P.M. Sayeed. That is also a record in the sense that there was some apprehension of some controversies being aroused over the choice. But ultimately, Sir, as you know, the matter has been settled unanimously. This is a no small measure due to Shri Sayeed's own personality, his reputation and his great standing in the House.
So, I join with all the other leaders in once again expressing our felicitations and congratulations to him for his election.
> श्री चन्द्रशेखर (बलिया) (उ.प्र.) : मोहतरम सदर, मैं पहली बार किसी को इस सदन में मुबारकबाद देने के लिए खड़ा हुआ हूं। मैं पी.एम. सईद जी को पहले दिन से जानता हूं, उस समय मैं भी कांग्रेस पार्टी में था। कांग्रेस पार्टी के कुछ नये सदस्यों ने कुछ बुनियादी मुद्दों पर सवाल उठाए थे, उस समय पी.एम. सईद सबसे कम उम्र के मेम्बर थे जिन्होंने उसमें हिस्सा लिया था। उन्होंने लक्षयद्वीप में समुद्र के बीच में, आदिवासी इलाके में जन्म लिया। उन्होंने बेबसी को, पीड़ा को नजदीक से देखा है। उन्होंने कुदरत के रूप को भी देखा है और उसके खिलाफ जद्दोजहद की है। इंसानियत को बुलंदियों पर ले जाने के लिए उनके दिल में एक तमन्ना है और वह तमन्ना उन्हें सियासत में लाई तथा उस तमन्ना को उन्होंने हमेशा जाहिर किया। उनके दिल में एक गहराई है, जिस गहराई से इंसानियन को बुलंदियों में ले जाने के लिए वह हमेशा कोशिश करते रहे। विवेकानंद जी ने एक बार कहा था कि इंसान ने अपने को मजहब के छोटे-छोटे दायरों में, कुओं में बांट लिया है। उन्होंने इंसानियत के समुद्र को नहीं पहचाना है। वह केवल समुद्र की गोद में पले नहीं, उन्होंने इंसानियत के बड़े समुद्र को पहचाना है और इसीलिए उन्होंने इस तरह के समाज के लिए, समता के समाज के लिए बार-बार कोशिश की। उन्होंने हरदम अपने स्वभाव से, तहज़ीब और तरबीयत से लोगों के दिलों को जीता। उनका चेहरा बड़ा मासूम है, कभी-कभी उनकी मुस्कराहट लोगों को धोखा देती है। लोग समझते हैं कि उनमें अल्हड़पन है, बालकपन है लेकिन उनके दिल में पुख्ता इरादा है, जिस पुख्ते इरादे से समाज को बदलने की नीयत से वह हरदम जद्दोजहद करते रहे हैं। महोदय, मुझे इस बात से खुशी है कि आज जब चारों तरफ तारीकी नजर आ रही है, जम्हूरियत में और खास कर पार्िलयामेंट में हम एक-दूसरे के खिलाफ ही सब कुछ देख रहे हैं उस समय उन्होंने एक नयी शुरुआत की है। उनकी खूबियों की वजह से आज सारे हाउस ने उनको एक राय से चुना है, यह केवल इस पार्िलयामेंट के लिए नहीं बल्िक इस मुल्क की सियासत के लिए भी एक नयी शुरुआत है। मुझे लगता है कि उन्होंने इस तारीकी में जो एक नया चिराग जलाया है, यह चिराग हमेशा बुलंद रहेगा। उन्होंने हर समय, चाहे वह किसी ओहदे पर रहे हों, वहां उसे बखूबी अंजाम दिया। मुझे उम्मीद है कि यह चिराग हमेशा रोशन रहेगा, जहां जाएगा अपनी रोशनी बिखेरेगा, किसी चिराग का अपना मकां नहीं होता।
>SHRI I.K. GUJRAL (JALANDHAR): Sir, I consider it a privilege to get up to felicitate my dear old friend who has been chosen to this high office. He came to the Parliament in 1967 when I was already there. I have been watching him since he has come here. It has been my privilege to work with him in various capacities. I have always found him a man of great intellect and also a man of great values. I know of his faith in the Parliamentary democracy. I am conscious of the fact that in whichever bench he has sat - opposition or the Government - he has always upheld the democratic values.
Since I have known him from the day he came here, as I said, I was present there when he came, I am certain that when he adorns this Chair, he will continue to uphold those values for which we all stand for. And we all see to it that democratic values, democratic procedures, democratic attitudes prevail under all circumstances.
I wish him good luck and I wish our House good wishes because I think, we have chosen the right person for this post.
>SHRI PURNO A. SANGMA : Mr. Speaker, Sir, the world is celebrating the Golden Jubilee of adoption of the UN Charter on Human Rights. According to the Charter, amongst other things, social origin shall not be a ground for discrimination. Shri Sayeed hails from distant, sea-bound, small region of Lakshadweep. Today, by electing him as the Deputy Speaker, the House has signalled that in our sub-continent-size democracy, people with origin in distant, small regions will not be forgotten. For us, there could not have been a better way of celebrating the Golden Jubilee of the Human Rights Charter, than this.
Shri Sayeed is a linguist. He is proficient in Hindi, English, Malayalam, Kannada, Tamil and Tulu. In a sense, he represents the composite culture of our country and is hence eminently suited to hold the high office of the Deputy Speaker.
It was 1996. I went to Lakshadweep to attend a reception that Shri Sayeed had organised in connection with the marriage of his daughters. It was then that I realised the place that Shri Sayeed has in the hearts of his people. His entire village had turned up in his humble house. Virtually, all the islanders in the village and nearby places attended the reception. They sat inside his house, in his courtyard, in the sea-front and under coconut trees and helped themselves to the very same simple lunch in congregational style. There was no distinction between the rich and the poor, high and the lowly, close relatives and others.
No wonder, Shri Sayeed has returned to this House nine times over consecutively. In fact, Shri Sayeed and Shri Khagpati Pradhani are the two Members of this august House whose names have been entered in the Guinnes Book of World Record for having elected to Parliament eight consecutive times.
For him, maturing in our parliamentary democracy through the terms of 11 out of 12 Presidents and 11 out of 14 Prime Ministers should have been a ground experience. This house has already seen this experience in display in the performance of Shri Sayeed as a member of the panel of Chairmen.
Shri Sayeed is a senior politician, senior to me in politics. Nonetheless in 1995-96, when both of us were working in the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, I was the Cabinet Minister and he was the Minister of State. The gentleman that Shri Sayeed is, he never brought our relative political seniority positions to affect our hierarchical relationship in the Ministry. We had excellent working relationship. I found that God has gifted Shri Sayeed with a mind and heart which are as serene as the blue lagoons of Lakshadweep.
Thomas Gray, the famous British poet of the romantic period, in his elegy written on a country churchyard sang:
"Full many a gem of purest rays serene, The dark unfathomed caves of ocean bear, Full many a flower is born to blush unseen, And waste its sweetness in the desert air."
Shri Sayeed is a coral gem; is a lilly of lagoons; we have fathomed this gem out of the Arabic Sea for us to wear; presented this flower to adorn our House Chair. We have proved the poet wrong. I am sure, he will shine. He will spread fragrance.
Hon. Shri P.M. Sayeed, I wish you all the bounties of God and success in your new assignment. Thank you, Sir.
>SHRI BASU DEB ACHARIA : Mr. Speaker Sir, I rise to congratulate Shri P.M. Sayeed on being elected unanimously as the Deputy-Speaker.
This day will be remembered because today we have elected a person who is the most popular leader of the most beautiful island of our country. Shri P.M. Sayeed has been elected continuously as a Member of this House since 1967. Since the time I was elected in 1980, I have seen him as a Member, as a Parliamentarian, as a Minister and as a member of the panel of Chairman in this House. I have seen his capabilities and efficiency. It would have been better if he was elected earlier also. We wanted to keep up the traditions of this House in electing the Deputy-Speaker from the Opposition. I am extremely happy that Shri P.M. Sayeed, a person of stature, personality, capability, efficiency, democratic approach, impartiality and a Parliamentarian with a long tenure, has been elected unanimously today. We sincerely hope that as the Deputy-Speaker of Lok Sabha, he will be able to maintain the dignity and decorum of the House. What is needed today is that the voice of all sections of this House should be reflected and also protected. We sincerely hope that this can be done under his Deputy-Speakership.
On behalf of my party, I extend our sincere cooperation to Shri P.M. Sayeed in conducting the business of the House.
> श्री रघुवंश प्रसाद सिंह (वैशाली): अध्यक्ष महोदय, इस महान संसद के उपाध्यक्ष पद के लिए माननीय सदस्य श्री पी.एम. सईद जी को नर्िवरोध और सर्वसम्मति से चुना गया है। इसलिए हम उन्हें हृदय से बधाई देते हुए मुबारकवाद देते हैं। हम जानते हैं कि पीठासीन अधिकारी पद के लिए कम से कम दो गुणों का होना आवश्यक है - एक योग्यता और दूसरा निष्पक्षता। योग्यता और निष्पक्षता के बिना सदन की कार्रवाई ठीक ढंग से नहीं चलाई जा सकती है। मुझे खुशी है कि श्री पी.एम. सईद में दो गुण ही नहीं तीन गुण वर्तमान में हैं। वह योग्य भी हैं, निष्पक्ष भी हैं और अनुभवी भी हैं। इसलिए यह सदन के लिए और खुशी का विषय है। अध्यक्ष महोदय, हमें इस बात की और खुशी है कि सबसे पहले राष्ट्रीय जनता दल के नेता श्री लालू प्रसाद जी ने इनका नाम सुझाया था कि श्री पी.एम. सईद को उपाध्यक्ष पद के लिये चुना जाना चाहिये। दुनिया के सबसे बड़े लोकतंत्र हिन्दुस्तान को यह गौरव प्राप्त है कि इस महान सदन में १९७७ में जब हम लोगों की हुकूमत थी ,उस समय इस महान परम्परा की शुरुआत हुई थी कि विरोध पक्ष को उपाध्यक्ष का पद दिया जाये। उसी समय से वभिन्न राज्यों में इस परम्परा का अनुकरण किया जा रहा है लेकिन अभी यहां एक साज़िश चलाई गई कि किस प्रकार इस परम्परा को तोड़ा जाये। मैं सत्ता पक्ष की सहयोगी पार्िटयों में कुमारी ममता, जयललिला और समतादल के लोगों को धन्यवाद देना चाहूंगा कि उन्होंने इस महान परम्परा का अनुपालन करने के लिये पुरजोर कोशिश की। हमें खुशी है कि इस सदन की इस महान परम्परा को बहाल किया गया। अध्यक्ष महोदय, आपकी बड़ी भारी जिम्मेदारी और आपके निर्देश में यह चुनाव निष्पक्ष और सर्वसम्मत ढंग से सम्पन्न हुआ। अभी तक वह क्षेत्र, जो समुद्र में बहुत दूर स्िथत है और उपेक्षित अनुभव करता होगा लेकिन उनके प्रतनधित्व मिलने से अनुसूचित जनजाति के एक सदस्य का इस गौरवपूर्ण पद पर चुना जाना रीजनलिज्म और कम्युनलिज्म के खिलाफ एक सर्वसम्मत चुनाव है। इसलिये हम आपको हृदय से धन्यवाद देते हैं। अध्यक्ष महोदय, मैं आपको वचन देता हूं कि सदन को शान्ितपूर्वक चलाने में हर प्रकार का सहयोग और सदन की उच्च परिपाटी का आदर्श कायम करने में हम सहयोग करेंगे। एक बार पुन: धन्यवाद देता हूं कि सदन को निष्पक्ष रूप से चलाने और माननीय सदस्यों के अधिकारों का संरक्षण और हम जो सवाल गरीबों के लिये उठाते हैं, उसके समाधान के लिये,जो माननीय उपाध्यक्ष चुने गये हैं, उनको हमारी ओर से पूरा सहयोग मिलता रहेगा ताकि गरीबों की आकांक्षा पूरी करने में समर्थ हो सकें। संसदीय कार्य मंत्री तथा पर्यटन मंत्री (श्री मदन लाल खुराना): अध्यक्ष महोदय, इन्होंने सदन को शान्ित से चलाने का वचन दिया है। श्री रघुवंश प्रसाद सिंह : अध्यक्ष महोदय, हमने तो वचन दिया है लेकिन मंत्री पद पर रहकर ये जो उपद्रव कराते रहते हैं, वे न करें, ऐसा वचन दें।
>SHRI K. YERRANNAIDU : Mr. Speaker, Sir, on my behalf and on behalf of my Telugu Desam Party, I am congratulating and felicitating Shri P.M. Sayeed for being elected unanimously as the Deputy-Speaker of the Lok Sabha. He is a distinguished personality, a senior Member of this House. He was elected to Lok Sabha for nine times. When he was first elected to Lok Sabha in 1957, I was studying in 5th class. So, I am very happy today that a distinguished personality is elected unanimously by this House. I am also very happy that in spite of differences, we are unanimous on some democratic values. I am sure, he would give more chances to the new Members and also each and every Member is allowed to speak in this House.
Once again, my heartiest congratulations and best wishes for his new assignment.
*m>10> >SHRIMATI KRISHNA BOSE : Mr. Speaker, Sir, the leader of our party, Kumari Mamata Banerjee, who would have been the happiest person today, is not present in this House. On behalf of Kumari Mamata Banerjee and on behalf of all my colleagues, I offer our heartiest felicitations to Shri P.M. Sayeed. We look forward to having a very competent and very impartial Deputy-Speaker in the Chair. May I also take this opportunity to congratulate the hon. Prime Minister. It was his statesmanship which made it possible to reach a consensus and to conform to the tradition of the House that the Opposition should get the post of the Deputy-Speaker. Again our heartiest felicitations to Shri P.M. Sayeed. I hope he would invite us all to Lakshadweep.
*m>11> >SHRI R. MUTHIAH : At the outset, I wish to convey my happiness and congratulations to Shri P.M. Sayeed for being elected unanimously as the Deputy-Speaker of this House. I also convey my congratulations to Shri P.M. Sayeed on behalf of our party, AIADMK and on behalf of my leader, Puratchi Thalaivi, Dr. Jayalalitha.
By the election of this experienced and eminent politician, we have once again been upholding the highest tradition and convention of this House by giving the post of Deputy-Speakership to the main Opposition. At this juncture, I wish to thank all our ruling coalition for accepting this conventional tradition to give the post of Deputy-Speaker to the Opposition. It is our leader, Puratchi Thalaivi, Dr. Jayalalitha, who had aired this appeal to all the political parties and to the hon. Prime Minister to uphold this convention in this House. Hence, I thank all the leaders of our ruling coalition as well as our hon. Prime Minister for getting together in upholding this tradition and convention.
Sir, moreover I am so happy that we are having both the presiding officers, the Speaker and the Deputy-Speaker, from our South. Again, we are proud enough to note that we are having an eminent person, who is well-versed in our Tamil language to hold the post of Deputy-Speakership after our hon. Minister, Shri Thambi Durai. With all this happiness, I once again felicitate Shri P.M. Sayeed for being elected unanimously as the Deputy-Speaker of this House by upholding our highest tradition and convention.
*m>12> >SHRI MURASOLI MARAN : Mr. Speaker, Sir, I am very happy to join my colleagues in offering my encomiums to my great friend and brother, Thiru P.M. Sayeed, for having been elected as the Deputy-Speaker. Sir, the eight-month old controversy, which generated unusual heat and interest, is over today. As the saying goes, `All is well that ends well', it has ended in choosing a right person for the Deputy-Speakership.
Thiru Sayeed has many records, many achievements. Everybody has stated that he has been elected for nine times to the House. It is not a joke to be elected from the same constituency for nine times. That is why I used to call him as `Sultan of Lakshadweep'. Sir, incidentally, he and I entered the Lok Sabha sometime in 1967. He has been elected for nine times along with Shri Pradhan. I think, he can be compared only to Thiru Indrajit Balu, who has been elected to the Lok Sabha for ten times, with one break. Therefore, if you want to say in cricket terms, you can call Thiru Indrajit Gupta, as Don Bradman, the dayen cricket, and I would call Thiru Sayeed, as Sachin Tendulkar.
So, I offer my congratulations to him. Sir, Shri Sayeed did not listen. I compared him with Sachin Tendulkar.
Sir, he has got another achievement which has not been mentioned by anybody. He has got one son - it is very good - and he has got seven daughters. It is probably because he was in the far-flung area that he forgot about family planning.
He has done a lot for his constituency. When he was elected to the Lok Sabha for the first time in 1967, the rate of literacy in Lakshadweep was 15 per cent. Now it is 100 per cent. It is a great achievement.
MR. SPEAKER: Shri Maran, he is also an expert in handling the `Zero Hour'.
SHRI MURASOLI MARAN : Yes, Sir.
Sir, Lakshadweep was an isolated island earlier. But it is no more an isolated island now. There is a daily flight to Lakshadweep and he has created telephone connections to all the places over there. As our former Speaker said, it is a great tribute that he has been chosen from a far-flung island in the Arabian Sea. Not only that; he belongs to a minority community. He is elected not because of that, but because of his talent.
Sir, this 12th Lok Sabha will go down in history because, as my friend from the AIADMK has said, both the Presiding Officers are from the South. Not only that; another credit is that the Speaker belongs to the Scheduled Caste and the Deputy-Speaker belongs to the Scheduled Tribe. I think, this custom will continue and will become a tradition, just like the post of Deputy-Speaker belonging to the Opposition Party. I think, both the positions should go to persons from the South and both should be from the Scheduled Caste and the Scheduled Tribe.
Sir, it is said that the parliamentary form of government is a government by speaking. When the post of Deputy-Speaker was once offered to my Party, at that time I asked the Presiding Officer as to what should be the criterion and whom should I select for that post. He said that the primary criterion is that our candidate for the post of Deputy-Speaker should have a stentorian voice, a voice which will prevail over the voices of all other Members. He has not only the stentorian voice, but also, what is called, the Lok Sabha tact. In the House of Commons, they used to say that the Presiding Officer should have the House of Commons tact. He has got the Lok Sabha tact, because he has been in the Panel of Chairmen for five years.
Sir, it used to be said that the House of Commons is the most effective rostrum in the world. Likewise, our Lok Sabha is the most effective forum in India. Not only that; recently it has become the best television broadcasting station in the world. Naturally some of us will raise our voices. But he is an experienced parliamentarian as a Member of the Ruling Party, as a Minister of State and also as a Member of the Opposition Party. So, he has got all the talent to become the Deputy-Speaker of this House and I am very happy about it.
Sir, on behalf of my Party and on my own behalf, I, once again, congratulate him, congratulate the people of Lakshadweep and offer my cooperation to him.> श्री शकुनी चौधरी : अध्यक्ष महोदय, आप समता पार्टी का ख्याल नहीं रखते हैं।
MR. SPEAKER: I was just calling your name. You are not hearing anything said from the Chair.
*m>13 श्री शकुनी चौधरी: आज श्री पी.एम.सईद साहब के उपाध्यक्ष पद पर चुने जाने पर मैं अपनी तरफ से और समता पार्टी की तरफ से हार्िदक मुबारकबाद देता हूं। आप जानते हैं कि दुनिया की सबसे बड़ी पंचायत ने देश में धर्मनिरपेक्षता को कायम रखा है और फिर एक दलित ने उपाध्यक्ष पद सुशोभित करके दुनिया को यह दिखाने का काम किया है कि इस पंचायत के लोग अपने लोगों में चयन करने में कितने सक्षम हैं। इसलिए श्री पी.एम.सईद जी के ऊपर बहुत बड़ी जिम्मेदारी आ जाती है। हम माननीय प्रधान मंत्री जी को विशेष धन्यवाद देना चाहते हैं जिनकी तरफ से नर्िवरोध चुने जाने का प्रस्ताव किया गया और किसी तरह का द्वन्द्व या विरोध नहीं हुआ। धन्यवाद।
>SHRI NAVEEN PATNAIK (ASKA): Sir, on behalf of the Biju Janata Dal, I congratulate Shri P.M. Sayeed on being elected unanimously as the Deputy-Speaker of this august House. I am sure, with his vast and rich experience of over three decades, he will conduct this House more effectively. Thank you.
*m15>> प्रो. प्रेम सिंह चन्दूमाजरा (पटियाला) : स्पीकर सर, मैं अपनी और अपनी पार्टी शिरोमणि अकाली दल की तरफ से श्री पी.एम.सईद साहब को डिप्टी स्पीकर बनने पर बहुत-बहुत मुबारकवाद देता है। मैं समझता हूं कि आज का दिन भारत के इतिहास में बहुत अच्छा दिन है जब भारत की सबसे बड़ी पंचायत के डिप्टी स्पीकर मायनारिटी और दलित वर्ग से चुने गए हैं और इन वगर्ों का व्यकित आज इस पद को सुशोभित कर रहा है। इसके लिए जहां सभी पार्िटयां प्रशंसा और मुबारकवाद की पात्र हैं वहां मैं विशेष रूप से माननीय प्रधान मंत्री श्री अटल बिहारी वाजपेयी जी को भी मुबारकवाद देना चाहता हूं जिन्होंने इस देश की परम्परा को आगे बढ़ाने की कोशिश की है। आखिर मे, मैं पुन: श्री पी.एम.सईद जी को मुबारकवाद देता हूं।
*m16> >SHRI MADHUKAR SIRPOTDAR : Mr. Speaker, Sir, thank you very much. On my own behalf and that of my party, Shiv Sena, I congratulate Shri P.M. Sayeed for having been elected to the position of Deputy-Speaker.
First of all, I am proud that he has been a student of the same College where I studied in Mumbai. He is an ex-Sidharathian.
Secondly, he is representing the culture of our country. It is very important. Because of that, he is occupying such a position by which the controversy will be minimised.
Thirdly, he has been given a very nice message because the Leader of the Opposition says that now he is sitting very close to him. I wish this position continues for the next four years so that the entire controversy is minimised in this House. Otherwise, every MP of this House is very much doubtful. There is an apprehension that they have to go back to fight the elections. But because of his election, I feel, that apprehension will be removed and the people will have a very stable mind, a stable Government and a stable Parliament.
There is one more point. Culturewise also, he has a capacity to tackle the situation. While congratulating him, most of the leaders, who actually create problems in this House, have assured him to extend their full cooperation for smooth running of the House. That is also an additional qualification that he possesses.
Shri Sayeed being a proper representative of our Indian culture, my only wish is that he succeeds in all spheres of activities. He is one of my best friends. Ever since I came to this House, I got his friendship. I consider myself lucky for this. The entire credit goes to Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the hon. Leader of our Government.
13.00 hrs. It is only because people talk about the convention. But, I would say that the convention is to be honoured by each and every Member of this Parliament. Whenever we talk about convention, it should be strictly adhered to in all respects. That is my only expectation. If this would have been done earlier, I think, this election would not have been delayed so much.
Once again, I wish all the best to my friend and the hon. Deputy-Speaker, Shri P.M. Sayeed. Thank you Sir.
*m>17> >SHRI SANAT KUMAR MANDAL (JOYNAGAR): Sir, on behalf of my party, RSP, I warmly congratulate hon. Shri P.M. Sayeed on his election as the Deputy-Speaker.
Sir, he knows the composition of the Twelfth Lok Sabha. The ruling coalition and the opposition are more or less evenly balanced. There are a number of smaller parties and I firmly believe that he will give good time to them to air their views on various burning issues.
I hope that along with you, he will safeguard the rights of the hon. Members and the dignity of this august House. I once again assure Shri P.M. Sayeed my party's fullest cooperation in conducting the proceedings of the House in an orderly, impartial manner and wish him very very successful tenure. Thank you.
*m>18>> श्री आरिफ मोहम्मद खां (बहराइच) : अध्यक्ष महोदय, मैं आपके माध्यम से श्री पी.एम.सईद को अपनी तरफ से, अपनी पार्टी की तरफ से बहुत मुबारकबाद, बधाई और नेक ख्वाहिशात पेश करना चाहूंगा। एक बात बार-बार कही गयी है कि श्री पी.एम.सईद साहब नौंवी बार लोक सभा के लिए चुनकर आये हैं। जिन लोगों ने श्री पी.एम.सईद साहब को देखा नहीं होगा, उन्हें ऐसा लगेगा जैसे इस माननीय सदन ने किसी बहुत बुजुर्ग, व्ृाद्ध, मोअम्मर शख्स को इस सदन का डिप्टी स्पीकर चुना है लेकिन सईद साहब पर एक नज़र पड़ते ही वे सारी गलतफहमियां दूर हो जाती हैं। श्रीमन् भारत के लिए एक वाकय कहा गया है-"पूरा अपि नव एवति पुराना"-"
Ever ages never old." सईद साहब के ऊपर ऐसा लगता है, अगर किसी एक शख्स के ऊपर उस वाकय को, जो हमारे देश के लिए कहा गया है, देखें तो चाहे जितनी बार वह चुनकर आयें, लगता है कि हर इलैकशन के साथ उनके चेहरे पर ज्यादा ताजगी, ज्यादा मुस्कुराहट है। यकीनी तौर पर यह कहा जा सकता है कि उम्र यकीनन बढ़ रही है लेकिन ज़हीफ कहीं से भी नहीं। अध्यक्ष महोदय, मैं आपको भी बहुत-बहुत मुबारकबाद देता हूं कयोंकि आपको अपनी जिम्मेदारियों को अदा करने में एक लायक और बासलाहियत डिप्टी स्पीकर श्री पी.एम. सईद साहब की शकल में मिले। आखिरी में एक बार फिर मुबारकबाद देते हुए मैं एक शेर कहना चाहूंगा-- "निगाह बर्क नहीं, चेहरा आफताब नहीं, वह आदमी है मगर देखने की ताब नहीं।
*m19> >SHRI R.S. GAVAI (AMRAVATI): Hon. Speaker Sir, I rise to extend my sincere congratulations to hon. Shri P.M. Sayeed, who has been unanimously elected as the Deputy-Speaker of this august House.
Sir, this House is supreme and sovereign. In parliamentary language this House is designated as the temple of democracy. We achieved democracy and parliamentary democracy but at the same time, the reasons are best known to all of us, we are far away from the social and economic democracy. Unless and until, we achieve the social and economic democracies, there is no value of political democracy. Therefore, this being the temple of democracy and there are crores of Gods and Goddesses, we are the devotees here. Whatever the parliamentary devices we have been using for the cause of greater democracy, I hope, through you and through the hon. Deputy-Speaker, Shri Sayeed, we may be in a position to achieve the two political democracies, as well as , social and economic, democracy also.
Once again, I extend my sincere congratulations to Shri P.M. Sayeed and assure him every cooperation in his tenure. Thank you very much.
*m>20> >PROF. SAIFUDDIN SOZ : Hon. Speaker Sir, on my own behalf and on behalf of my party, Jammu and Kashmir National Conference, I rise to congratulate the hon. Member of this House, who has now become the Deputy-Speaker of this House Sir, over a long period of time, since this House came into being, prominent men and women brought dignity to this House. Shri Sayeed belongs to only that category, who brought dignity and grace to this House.
In English poetry perhaps Robert Harrick said that `Small is Beautiful'. Lakshadweep is beautiful and Shri Sayeed reflects that beauty in an ample measure. It is harmony here and this has been brought about by the unanimous election of Shri Sayeed. That harmony is welcome because occasionally this House gets divided to my great disappointment. But today, I feel happy to see this harmony and for this harmony I appreciate the role of not only the Opposition, but I also appreciate the role of BJP, which came finally to understand and appreciate in ample measure that democracy and harmony in this House would get strengthened by Shri Sayeed's election to this exalted Office because he is very popular and his popularity cuts across all sections of this House.
I must congratulate you also because you would not get a better colleague than Shri P.M. Sayeed.
Now, finally I must say that the culture which Shri Sayeed has reflected here has made him popular here. He is a man of high culture and high magnanimity towards his colleagues and he got it i.e this office on merit. Incidently, he brought credit not only to Lakshadweep, the small island known for Lagoons, but he brought credit to his community, the Muslim Community, also.
He is the first Muslim to adorn that Chair. Among the Speakers and the Deputy-Speakers, he would be the first Muslim adorning the Chair.
Now that Shri Arif Mohd. Khan had recited a couplet, I remember a little better than that, but the credit goes to Shri Arif Mohd. Khan. The House will appreciate it. इकबाल का शेर है - निगाह बुलंद सुख़न दिलनवाज़ व जान पुरसोज़ यही है रिख्ते-सफर, मेरे कारवां के लिए।
*m>21> >SHRI E. AHAMED : Mr. Speaker Sir, may I take this opportunity to express my heartfelt congratulations and also to offer the felicitations to Shri P.M. Sayeed Saheb on my own behalf and on behalf of my party, the Indian Muslim League, on his unanimous election as the Deputy-Speaker of this House?
Sir, this election demonstrates one thing. Despite the differences of opinion on various issues, we are able to come together in upholding the highest democratic tradition of this House by electing a Member of the main Opposition party as the Deputy Speaker of this House though it has been delayed for some time.
Sir, I am personally ecstatic that a very close friend of mine has been elected as the Deputy-Speaker of this House. When he was elected in 1967, I was elected to Kerala Legislative Assembly and whenever we, the young MLAs come here, it was Shri Sayeed who took us to the Visitors' Gallery of this august House and his scooter was the only vehicle for us to travel. I am very happy that an old colleague of mine has assumed the Office. His one quality which I have seen in him is this. Not only he has been elected from Lakshadweep nine times since 1967 but also he was perhaps the only one Member in this House who have got elected unanimously, uncontested, in 1971 to this House.SHRI SURESH KURUP (KOTTAYAM): In 1967, he was elected to this House at the age of 26 years.
SHRI E. AHAMED (MANJERI): Yes. I was also elected to Kerala Legislative Assembly like that.
One of the most important qualities of Shri Sayeed is that he is sober; soft-spoken and unassuming and that has endeared him to one and all and he eminently deserve this position.
I am very happy that a member of the Muslim community has been given the first occasion to assume the Office of the Deputy-Speakership though the Muslim community deserves much more than this in this country.
Sir, I am sure that the manner in which Shri Sayeed has been conducting the House will also follow the example set by yourself and your distinguished predecessor giving more consideration to the small parties in this House. I am sure that Shri Sayeed will definitely maintain his sober and level-headed quality in conducting the Business of this House.
Sir, for our brothers in Lakshadweep, it is a day of happiness. They will be just watching each and every word spoken by the Prime Minister, Shri Chandra Shekhar, Shri Gujral, Shri Sharad Pawar and all other Members here. It will be a great day for the people of Lakshadweep and it will also be a great day for this House for having elected a popular Member as the Deputy-Speaker of this House.
Sir, he is a man who knows Malayalam, Kannada, Telugu, Hindi and what not, all the languages. It will not be very difficult for any Member of the House to interact with him. Sir, I take this opportunity once again to felicitate him on behalf of my Party, the Indian Union Muslim League and on my own behalf and wish him good luck and God speed.
*m>22> >SHRI AMAR ROY PRADHAN (COOCHBEHAR): Mr. Speaker, Sir, all the hon. Members of this House are very happy that a Member from Lakshadweep has become the Deputy-Speaker of this House. He is not only from Lakshadweep but also the fact that Shri P.M. Sayeed is known to me very closely for the last 22 years. I saw a patriotism in him. I saw a perfect gentleman. I saw a good Parliamentarian. So, through you, Sir, I would like to congratulate him for having been elected as the Deputy-Speaker of this House.
Sir, I appeal to yourself and also to the Deputy-Speaker that we are the smaller group in this House. But what about the smallest baby? The former Speaker Shri Balram Jakhar is here. The former Deputy-Speaker, Dr. M. Thambi Durai is also here.
In 1984 when the BJP was having two Members, Shri Balram Jakhar was the Speaker and Shri M. Thambi Durai was the Deputy-Speaker. They used to give chances to the smaller parties. Now, the BJP has grown from 2 to 182.
We may be small in number, but we have got a national view and we have got a say on different issues which should be reflected here so that the nation could know about it.
Sir, through you, I would again like to congratulate Shri P.M. Sayeed, as the new Deputy-Speaker.
*m23> श्री सुरेन्द्र सिंह : अध्यक्ष जी, मुझे बेहद खुशी है कि सारे सदन ने एक मत होकर श्री पी.एम.सईद साहब को डिप्टी स्पीकर चुना और मुझे सबसे ज्यादा इसलिए खुशी है कि मैंने अपना राजनीतिक जीवन इनकी रहनुमाई से शुरु किया। यह ऑल इंडिया यूथ कांग्रेस के अध्यक्ष थे और १९७० में जब मैं वकील बनकर आया तो इन्होंने मुझे और श्री पी.सी.चाकको जी को इंडिया यूथ कांग्रेस का जनरल सेक़ेटरी नौमीनेट किया था। श्री अजीत जोगी : चेला भी अच्छा निकला। श्री सुरेन्द्र सिंह: प्रधान मंत्री जी, चन्द्रशेखर जी और संगमा जी के भाषण के बाद इनके व्यकितत्व के बारे में कुछ भी जोड़ना असंभव है। जब शरद पवार जी इनके चुनाव पर कुछ कह रहे थे तो इनके निर्वाचन क्षेत्र के मतदाताओं का जिक़ किया कि इनके निर्वाचन क्षेत्र में ३८००० वोटर्स हैं। चाहे कितना ही छोटा मतदाताओं का दायरा कयों न हो लेकिन वे एक बहुत बड़े व्यकितत्व को चुनकर भेजते हैं। मैं एक बात कहूंगा, जैसे सोज़ साहब ने कहा कि माइनॉरिटीज को इस सदन में जितना यहां मौका मिला है, उससे हम सबकी बहुत हौसला अफ़जाई होगी बशर्ते इस सदन में माइनॉरिटीज को जो माइनॉरिटीज पार्टीज रिप्रेजेंट करती हैं, वह उनका पूरा ख्याल रखें। इन्ही शब्दों के साथ मैं सईद साहब को अपनी तरफ से और अपनी पार्टी की तरफ से मुबारकवाद देता हूं और आपका धन्यवाद करता हूं।
*m>24> >DR. SUBRAMANIAN SWAMY : Sir, the weather outside today is foggy, cloudy and gloomy, but inside the House there is sunshine. This has been made possible by the unanimous election of Shri P.M.Sayeed for which we have to, first of all, thank the Congress Party for selecting such an able and experienced person to be the candidate, to Kumari Mamata Banerjee for suggesting that he should be supported, to my senior ally, Dr. Jayalalitha, for crystallising the picture and making his election inevitable and, of course, to the hon. Prime Minister for gracefully accepting the arithmetic and making a virtue of the whole thing.
Sir, I think, this election also makes me proud that the whole world can see that there has been a social transformation that two powerful officials of Parliament, the Presiding Officers, are not only highly educated, but also represent the deprived communities of this country. I think, this message to the world will be a great message, this empowerment that is taking place gradually, the unity of the country that is coming about.
I would urge Shri P.M. Sayeed to give me some special consideration because I proposed his name.
I wish him well and we are all very very happy and proud of this day and his election.
*m>25>> श्री किशन सिंह सांगवान (सोनीपत): अध्यक्ष महोदय, मैं अपनी ओर से और अपने दल, हरियाणा लोकदल(राष्ट्रीय), की तरफ से सईद साहब को उनके उपाध्यक्ष पद के निर्वाचन पर मुबारकबाद देता हूं। जहां तक उनके परिचय का संबंध है, सभी सीनियर लीडर्स ने उनके बारे में परिचय दे दिया है। मुझे पूरा विश्वास है, सईद साहब बहुत अनुभवी और काबिल आदमी है। मैं विश्वास करता हूं, वे अध्यक्ष महोदय की तरह नए सदस्यों को सदन में बोलने के ज्यादा अवसर देंगे। मैं सईद साहब से अनुरोध करूंगा कि इस सदन में जितने नए सदस्य हैं, उनको लक्षयद्वीप का दौरा करायेंगे। इस चुनाव में पहले कुछ कन्ट्रोवर्सी थी, लेकिन मैं सबसे ज्यादा मुबारकबाद वाजवेयी जी को देता हूं कि उन्होंने संसदीय परम्परा को कायम रखा है। मैं पुन: अपनी ओर से और अपने दल की ओर से दोबारा सईद साहब को बधाई देता हूं।
*m26>> श्री एस.एस.ओवेसी (हैदराबाद) : स्पीकर साहब, मैं मुसररत के साथ पी.एम. सईद साहब को मुबारकबाद देता हूं। उनका नाम ही सईद है और आज वे सईद हैं। मुझे खुशी है कि एक अकलियत का नुमाइन्दा डिप्टी स्पीकर के लिए मुनतखिब हुआ है। मुझे तव्वको है कि वे अपने दौर में उन तमाम मसायल के लिए जद्दोजहद करेंगे, जिनके लिए हम लड़ रहे हैं। उनका मुस्कुराता हुआ चेहरा और चमकती हुई आंखों से यह तव्वको है कि वे इस एवान के वकार को बरकरार रखते हुए तमाम मसायल को हल करते हुए आगे बढ़ेंगे। आपने समय दिया, इसके लिए मैं मशकूर हूं।
*m27> >SHRI GANESAMOORTHY (PALANI) : Hon'ble Speaker Sir, on behalf of our party Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, I would like to congratulate and falicitate Thiru. P.M. Sayeed who has been elected as the new Deputy Speaker of this House. I am a first-time member in this august House. Now I am getting an opportunity to great a senior member who made it to this House nine times consecutively. I do noty have age and experience but still with great admiration for his rich accomplishments I am bestowing my warm greetings on my personal behalf and on behalf of my party Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam. We wish him success. Thank you.
* Original in Tamil *m>28>> श्री बूटा सिंह (जालौर): अध्यक्ष महोदय, आज जिस प्रसन्नता और खुशी को सदन में प्रकट किया गया है, उसके साथ मैं अपने आपको जोड़ते हुए श्री पी.एम. सईद को मुबारकबाद देता हूं। आज हमारे पीएम को डिप्टी स्पीकर बना दिया गया है। उनकी मित्र मंडली में हम लोग उनको पीएम कहते हैं, यह आज से नहीं जब से हमने यहां संसदीय कार्य शुरू किया है। जिस उम्र में सईद साहब संसद में आए, ठीक उसके पांच साल पहले मैंने भी उसी उम्र में इस सदन में प्रवेश किया। श्री पी.एम. सईद को इस पद पर सर्वसम्मति के साथ चुना गया है इसलिए आज केवल लक्षयद्वीप में ही दीपमाला नहीं हो रही बल्िक जितने भी देश के लोकतंत्र में विश्वास रखने वाले लोग हैं, कन्याकुमारी से कश्मीर और कामाक्षय से काठियावाड़ तक, सभी लोगों के दिलों में एक नया द्वीप जल उठा है। महोदय, मैं एक बात कहना चाहूंगा कि आज जब श्री सईद इस पद को ग्रहण करने जा रहे हैं तो हमारे संविधान में जो दलित और आदिवासी भाईयों और बहनों के लिए प्रावधान रखे गए थे उनका एक-एक करके हनन कर दिया गया है, केन्द्र सरकार की ओर से मैं उम्मीद करूंगा, सईद साहब और अध्यक्ष जी, आप स्वयं मिल कर हमारे जो गरीब वर्ग हैं. खास कर दलित और आदिवासी भाईयों को, उनके संवैधानिक हक दिलाने में हमारी पूरी मदद करेंगे। मैं सब की ओर से उनको पूरा सहयोग देने का वचन देते हुए पुन: मुबारकबाद देता हूं।
MR. SPEAKER: Shri P.M. Sayeed has got a lot of affection. That is why, every Member wants to speak.
*m29> >SHRI CHAOBA SINGH (INNER MANIPUR) : Mr. Speaker Sir, today in this august House I express my happiness for lecting Shri P.M. Sayeed Ji as the Deputy Speaker. Sir, in a democracy suppression of small by big is unwanted and undesirable, but this election clearly shows that the hegemony of the big States is no more. I would like to appreciate the Hon'ble Prime Minister and the Hon'ble Leader of the Opposition for such a democratic pursuit. Sir, we belong to smaller States and P.M. Sayeed Ji is also one of us. Once again I apreciate the Hon'ble Prime Minister, the Hon'ble Opposition Leader and the Hon'ble Member of the House for unanimously election P.M. Sayeed Ji as the Deputy Speaker. Let this tradition of encouraging and protecting the small and meek by the big and mighty live long. We all are happy for electing P.M. Sayeed Ji.
* Original in Manipuri *m>30> >SHRI B.M. MENSINKAI (DHARWAR SOUTH): Mr Chairman Sir, today I am supremely happy, Shri P.M. Sayeed a great lover of Kannada language and Kannada culture, has been elected as the Deputy Speaker of this august House. There are three hon. members from our party Lok Shakti and from the State of Karnataka totally there are 28 members. All of us are being chances by Shri P.M. Sayeed to speak and to ventilate our grievances in this House.
Shri P.M. Sayeed is an eminent and experienced parliamentarian. He is an impartial leader and possesses all good virtues. I, on behalf of my party express my heartiest congratulations to him. I also assure him that we will give him our full cooperation in conducting the business of Lok Sabha. Sir, I request to please put him in the Chair during zero hour. He knows the knack of handling zero hour in a more scientific and systematic manner. All the members of this House are happy about his elevation to the post of the Hon'ble Deputy Speaker and I am sure that all of us will cooperate with him. I wish him long life, great strength and all success and with these words I conclude my speech.
* Original in Kannada *m>31>> श्री बलराम जाखड़ : अध्यक्ष महोदय, अरब सागर की गोद में खेलता हुआ एक छोटा सा प्रायद्वीप, जिसमें लहरें हमेशा सुन्दर गाना गाती हैं, जिसके नारियल के पेड़ों में हवा झंकरित होती रहती है वहां एक मीठा सा प्राणी, जिसका नाम उसके घर वालों ने पी.एम. रख दिया। यहां तो पी.एम. चुने जाते हैं और चले भी जाते हैं लेकिन यह हमेशा पी.एम. रहे हैं इसलिए हम इन्हें पी.एम. कहते हैं। यह मीठा प्राणी है, इसकी जुबान भी मीठी है। ऐसा प्राणी आया, जिसने सब का मन मोह लिया और सब को अपना बना लिया, इसी को इंसान कहते हैं। जहां इंसान होता है वहां इंसानियत होती है और उसमें लोगों के लिए और अपने लिए एक आदर्श होता है। मैंने इनका साथ देखा है, मेरा साथ इसी कुर्सी पर बैठे हुए इन्होंने दिया है। जिस तरह से ये काम करते हैं और जो इनकी क्षमता है, उसका पता मुझे है तथा सबका मन जीत कर सदन को सुचारू रूप से चलाने में ये सफलता प्राप्त करेंगे। हम इनका मान करते हैं। लोगों के प्रति रूचि रखकर इन्होंने उन्हें अपना बनाया है। आज सही मायने में इंसान होना देश के लिए सबसे बड़ी आवश्यकता है। किसी ने ठीक ही कहा है कि "इंसान है तो इंसान से मौहब्बत करना सीखो, बस यही राह खुदा के घर जाती है।" वह राह इस शख्स ने कबूल कर ली है। मैं ज्यादा कुछ नहीं कहना चाहता कयोंकि इनके बारे में सब कुछ कह दिया गया है। केवल एक बात कहना चाहता हूं कि यह यह जितने नरम लगते हैं उतने ही ये सख्त भी है। रामायण में राम जी के लिए कहा गया है "कोमलानी कुसुमादपि, कठोराणी वज्रादपि।" ये गुलाब की पंखुरी की तरह कोमल हैं लेकिन जब ये अपने निश्चय पर खड़े हो जाते हैं तो पाषाण की तरह कठोर भी हैं। इन दोनों बातों का होना यह साबित करता है कि ये इस पद के काबिल हैं। इस पद पर पर बैठकर राम की पद्धति पर चलते हुए यह सबको एक दृष्िट से देखेंगे और ऐसा माहौल तैयार करेंगे जो सबके लिए अच्छा होगा। मैं तो एक बात इनके लिए कहता हूं। "तू साई है, काम है परवाज तेरा, तेरे लिए आसमां और भी हैं।" आगे बढ़ो और ठीक ढंग से इसको चलाओ। इससे हमारा और सदन का नाम ऊंचा होगा। आपका चुनाव प्रेम और सर्वसम्मति से हुआ है और वह होना ही चाहिए था कयोंकि दूसरी बात आपको शोभा ही नहीं देती। आप आदमी ही ऐसे है जिसके लिए चुनाव होना ही नहीं चाहिए और न ही हुआ। इसलिए मैं सारे सदन को और आपको बधाई देता हूं और आने वाले समय को भी बधाई देता हूं कि आप इस पद को गौरवान्िवत करेंगे। धन्यवाद।
*m32> >MR. SPEAKER: Hon. Members, it gives me great pleasure to congratulate Shri P.M. Sayeed on his election as the Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha. His unanimous election is a testimony of the collective wisdom of the House and a triumph of our democratic tradition of achieving consensus through dialogue.
Shri P.M. Sayeed is an embodiment of the virtues that make an effective parliamentarian. Conscientious, sharp, knowledgeable and affable, Shri Sayeed has abiding faith in the efficacy of the parliamentary institutions and respect for opposing viewpoints. He has been representing Lakshadweep in the Parliament for over 30 years. To be precise, this is his ninth term as a Member of the Lok Sabha. This speaks of his popularity in his constituency.
Shri Sayeed has judiciously blended his roles as a representative of the constituency and as a member of the national Parliament. His contributions as a member of the House and as member of various House Committees and Joint Committees, have been highly appreciated. His in-depth knowledge of rules and conventions and understanding of our parliamentary traditions have helped him to run the House smoothly as a member of the Panel of Chairmen.
His two tenures as a Central Minister during 1979-80 and 1993-96, have also enabled him to have first-hand experience of the working of our Executive.
I compliment the hon. Members for electing a person of such long experience, high stature and integrity as the Deputy Speaker.
I wish Shri P.M. Sayeed all the best in his new role as the Deputy Speaker of the House.
*m33 >SHRI P.M. SAYEED (LAKSHADWEEP): Hon. Mr. Speaker Sir, hon. Leader of the House, Shri Atalji, hon. Leader of the Opposition, Sharadji, hon. ex-Prime Minister, gurudev Chandra Shekharji, former Prime Minister, hon. Gujralji, hon. senior leaders and my esteemed colleagues, I am indeed overwhelmed with a sense of gratitude to this august House, and I thank the hon. Members for their profuse compliments to me on my election as the Deputy-Speaker of the House. I do not see in my election victory or defeat for any party or group in political terms. I only see the victory of the hallowed conventions of this House.
People who come to see P.M. Sayeed, Member of Parliament elected nine times over, often visualise him as an old person of snow-white hair and flowing beard. They get jolted by surprise on seeing only a person past the middle age, thus, their imagination not squaring up with reality. What can I do? My island people caught me young. They returned me to this House for the first time when I was just 26 years of age. Now, at 57 years, age has not necessarily withered me nor has custom staled me to my people. They have remained steadily with me and unfailingly returned me to this House since 1967, with an average voter turnout of 85 per cent, highest in the country.
Indeed, the relationship between my islanders and me is one of abiding romance. My election is a tribute to my people. I thank with immense gratitude my people who are ultimately responsible for where I am today.
I represent Lakshadweep, the smallest constituency in our country of nearly one billion. The size of my electorate is only about 40,000 as against the country's total electorate of nearly 500 million and average electorate size per constituency of around one million. My election, in this background, has a significant message that the forces of national integration which are neutral to the magnitude of geographical regions have triumphed.
It was the late Prime Minister Shri Rajiv Gandhi who held the concerns of the island people driven to geographical isolation dear to his heart. To take them on board the mainstream of our political, social and economic life, he created the Island Development Authority. On this occasion of my election as the Deputy-Speaker, let me pay homage to his soul and spirit.Lakshadweep is not the only island region of our country. We have the Andaman and Nicobar Islands also. In the discharge of my duties, I shall be a man of all islands.
I am aware that in my election, I have had the support of the growing women power of our country. I salute our women power.
In these days of fractious political life and consequent hung Houses, more than ever before, unanimity in election to the Offices of the Presiding Officers is getting to be increasingly desirable. I would assure the House that the unanimity of my election would always condition my reflexes in the conduct of the House. I shall sincerely endeavour to bring the discharge of my functions and responsibilities as Presiding Officer in conformity with the spirit of this unanimity. I hope that the Members would also demonstrate the same spirit of unanimity in cooperating with me on a day-to-day basis in facilitating the peaceful and efficient transaction of the business of the House.
In the large House that ours is, hon. Members are, more often, not able to catch the eye of the Presiding Officer. Indeed, the eye of the Presiding Officer has been described as the most elusive organ that nature has ever created. But I would request the Members to appreciate that the elusiveness of my eyes would necessarily have to be inversely proportionate to their throats. In the appreciation of this factor as well, I seek the cooperation of the Members, without which I cannot succeed in my Office.
The media, the Fourth Estate, is an essential part of our democracy. A role for the media in Parliament has even been envisaged in our Constitution. Our media has always vigilantly invited our attention to the traditions of this House. In the context of today's election to the Office of the Deputy-Speaker as well, the media had reminded us of our conventions and had contributed, I believe, to creating an environment of unanimity about which I made a reference earlier. It deserves compliments for its role.
Finally, Mr. Speaker, Shri Balayogi, for me growing as a Parliamentarian in this House over three decades, even as our parliamentary culture, traditions and conventions evolved, has been a fabulous experience. May I assure you, Sir, that I shall bring this experience to bear on my role as your lieutenant worthy of your trust and confidence. That you, Sir.
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MR. SPEAKER: Now, we shall take up matters pertaining to `Zero Hour'.
... (Interruptions)
MR. SPEAKER: I will call you later. Shri Mallikarjuniah to speak.