speaker refers to fallout with CPM in his farewell address

Somnath Chatterjee finished his last innings in Lok Sabha in the manner he has been in his 39-year stint in the House, save for being a tad emotional. Though seen by many as a headmaster lately, on Thursday, friends and critics together showered praise on him.

Prime minister Manmohan Singh described him a "role model," who had "truly elevated" the office of the speaker. Even LK Advani forgot years of differences to congratulate him on his stewardship of the house.

The speaker used his farewell address to make his version of the events surrounding his falling out with his party a part of parliamentary record. "I totally disassociated myself from any political activity, and… took a considered decision to stand by the constitution and did not allow myself to take a course of action that would have compromised my position as speaker," he said.

The fact that this was perhaps the last time Chaterjee's booming voice would be heard in the House lent a sense of poignancy to the 14th Lok Sabha's last session, usually a time for saying good byes.

"I recall sitting on seat number 512 and listening with awe to some memorable speeches. I thank you all for tolerating me for so long," he told MPs, the trace of sadness hard to miss in his voice. He recovered soon enough to joke with civil aviation minister Praful Patel. "I hope you will keep retired politicians in mind," he said.

It was also the first time a prime minister was unable to attend a valedictory session. There was speculation Singh would make a brief appearance, but doctors advised against after he developed slight fever overnight.

Pranab Mukherjee read out Singh's statement on his five years "the best of times to emerge as the second fastest growing economy in the world". LK Advani let that one pass, saying the people would soon deliver their verdict.

Javed M Ansari/ DNA-Daily News & Analysis Source: 3D Syndication