The 16th Lok Sabha held its last working session on Wednesday. Speaker Sumitra Mahajan hosted a lunch for media persons at her official residence here.
In informal chat with journalists, Ms Mahajan said the “single biggest” achievement of her tenure was a “lesson by itself”.
“I have been a member of the House for long….I also sat among front bench members. In the past, I might have complained against former Speakers Somnath Chatterjeeji and Meira Kumarji, that they have not given me time. But when I sat on the chair, I understood the limitations of how to take all along, do justice to each member and stick to the rules of procedures,” Ms Mahajan remarked.
To a question, she also said another positive thing she felt all along during last five years is that members – irrespective of party affiliations and age showed ‘enough love’ for her.
“I do not know about respect, that is different. But they definitely showed enough love towards me. This is something I will cherish,” said 76-year-old Ms Mahajan and eight time MP from Indore.
During the valedictory session, several members including Prime Minister Narendra Modi heaped praise on her.
Mr Modi said eight of the 17 sessions of the 16th Lok Sabha had over 100 per cent productivity.
The overall productivity was recorded at over 85 per cent.
Among others Shiv Sena leader Anandrao Adsul said he would hope that in future too “Ms Mahajan should get some position higher than that of Lok Sabha Speaker”.
On this, unattached member Rajesh Ranjan Yadav remarked – “Next higher position is President of India”.
“I commend to you, Madam, that the manner in which you presided over this Lok Sabha, it has added a glorious chapter to our parliamentary history,” Biju Janata Dal floor leader Bhartruhari Mahtab said.
Interacting with journalists during the lunch hosted at her residence, Speaker Mahajan also shared a bit of her personal likes and dislikes. At one point of time – as she posed smilingly for snaps with most news persons – Ms Mahajan remarked: “I don’t like selfies”.