Shekhawat completes four years as Rajya Sabha Chairman

New Delhi, Aug 18 (UNI) Members belonging to the entire political spectrum in the Rajya Sabha today congratulated Chairman and Vice-President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat on completing four years in the august office, and an overwhelmed Mr Shekhawat reciprocated their sentiments by saying that he had discharged his responsibilities ''without fear and favour''.

The keenness of the members to shower encomiums on and express their feelings for Mr Shekhawat was so intense and overpowering that the entire Question Hour had to be suspended.

''When I came here this morning, I was not even aware that I had completed four years in office, but someone pointed it out to me and asked for sweets,'' Mr Shekhawat said.

Asserting that he had always acted in accordance with the famous dictum that ''a democratic polity has always opponents and not enemies,'' the Rajya Sabha Chairman said during his ongoing tenure he might have ruffled the feathers of some members.

''But later while sitting in my chamber, I always pondered over such incidents. I then used to call those members who might be feeling affronted to discuss the issue.'' His voice laced with emotions, Mr Shekhawat said, ''Mere dil mein kisi tarah ki rajniti nahin hain (there is no politics in my heart). No one can raise a figure on my impartiality, and I am proud of this attribute of mine.'' He said the age factor had also helped him in securing respect and affection from the members of the House.

''I am 83 now, and I reckon I am senior to any other member in the House. This must have helped me in earning your love and affection,'' he said, with a sense of humility that addresses the persona of this non-controversial leader.

Expressing his gratitude to God for showing him the right path, Mr Shekhawat said he had learnt a lot from his current assignment.

Before being elected Chairman of the Rajya Sabha four years ago, he had sat in the Chair just once, as a Pro-Tem Speaker to administer oath to the newly-elected members.

''Four years down the line, I have learnt a lot, and I have tried to reflect it by asking questions from ministers,'' he said.

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