RS wishes fond farewell to retiring members

New Delhi, Mar 20 (UNI) Rajya Sabha members today bade a fond farewell to 57 of their colleagues on completion of their term in the House in April.

Vice-President Hamid Ansari wished the retiring members well, saying many of them were public figures of great standing who had taken part in dignified debates, essential to democracy.

He thanked the members and said they would be missed by others who had cherished the association.

Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Jaswant Singh said there was a feeling of sadness at the departure but new blood would be injected soon. He singled out Parliamentary Affairs Minister Suresh Pachauri who has had a 24-year association as a member of the Rajya Sabha.

Deputy Chairman K Rehman Khan described it as an emotional moment as the members had served the House and the country with honesty.

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