Sushma praises Sonia's 'grace', PM's 'gentleness'

Putting behind the acrimony witnessed during the session, Leader of the Opposition Sushma Swaraj on Friday praised Sonia Gandhi and other Congress leaders for their conduct in the Lok Sabha.

Swaraj, who had once said that she will tonsure her head if Sonia Gandhi becomes the prime minister, today said she was a graceful leader.

As she spoke for the last time in the 15th Lok Sabha, which was adjourned sine die, Swaraj showered praise on Bharatiya Janata Party patriarch L K Advani.

Swaraj, who was at her witty best, drew applause from members as she mentioned that Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kamal Nath tried "shararat (mischief)", while Leader of the House Sushilkumar Shinde displayed "sharafat (decency)".

Besides, she said United Progressive Alliance Chairperson Sonia Gandhi's grace and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's gentle nature helped in the conduct of the 15th Lok Sabha.

While Swaraj appreciated the "nayay priyata (judicious)" approach of Advani, the BJP patriarch was seen trying hard to control his tears.

"We are going back with so many sweet and sour memories," Swaraj said.

“When the history of the 15th Lok Sabha is written, it will say that for most of the time there were interruptions but some most awaited bills were also passed during this time,” she noted.

Swaraj mentioned that many important bills, including those related to Telangana, street vendors and land acquisition were passed in the 15th Lok Sabha.

"We oppose each other but we are not enemies. We follow opposing ideologies," she said.

Swaraj added that she cannot wish the Congress ‘victory’ but she can wish them ‘glory’.

"We should contest (elections) with dignity," she added.