Search the Internet          Tips

LS, RS pay tribute to Gupta, adjourn

The Lok Sabha was adjourned for the day Tuesday after paying glowing tributes to veteran parliamentarian Indrajit Gupta, who died in Calcutta Tuesday morning, with Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee describing his passing away as an "incalculable loss" to the nation.

Leading the House in paying homage to Gupta, a sitting member, Vajpayee said the veteran Communist leader was deeply committed to uplift of the downtrodden and the underprivileged working class.

Gupta, the prime minister said, not only took up their cause in Parliament but also in various international fora throughout his career in public life.

Although he could not stay away from the din in Parliament, Gupta always maintained the dignity and decorum of the House and his presence was inspiration to members, Vajpayee said, adding he was one of the greatest parliamentarians with outstanding qualities.

Speaker G M C Balayogi, Leader of the Opposition Sonia Gandhi, Communist Party of India-Marxist leader Somnath Chatterjee, former prime minister Chandra Shekhar and leaders of various other political parties mourned the death describing Gupta as a towering personality whose debating skills would be remembered for long.

The House adjourned for the day after observing a minute's silence as a mark of respect to the departed leader.

Striking a personal note, Gandhi recalled that Gupta had been known to the Gandhi family since 1930 when he leader studied with Indira Gandhi in England.

She and Rajiv Gandhi too had maintained contact with the elderly statesman, Gandhi said.

Gupta had a tremendous understanding of the country's problems which he voiced with brilliance during debates, she said.

Somnath Chatteerjee said Gupta was a debator par excellence and he was aware of all parliamentary norms and procedures.

K Yerrannaidu (Telugu Desam) wanted a statue of Gupta to be installed in Parliament because of his sterling contribution to parliamentary debates.

Mulayam Singh Yadav (Samajwadi Party) said Gupta was dedicated to the poor and the downtrodden. He knew the mind of the people as also problems facing them.

T R Baalu (Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam) said Gupta was a towering personality and aptly called "father of the House".

Rashid Alvi (Bahujan Samaj Party) said Gupta's spartan lifestyle needed to be followed by everyone in public life.

Earlier, the Rajya Sabha too adjourned for the day on Tuesday as a mark of respect to Gupta.

Describing Gupta as a courageous and powerful speaker, Chairman Krishan Kant said with his passing away, the country had lost an able parliamentarian and a veteran trade union leader.

Members also observed a minute's silence in memory of the departed leader.

Tell us what you think of this report