The Hindu Business Line : Humour in House

Humour in Parliament has become a rarity today. One reason is the kind of competitive politics played out on its hallowed floors.No doubt, journalists on the beat must have their antenna in the right direction to pick up sparks of wit that may punctuate the sedate proceedings. This professional attribute came in for a special mention during a recent seminar on Parliament and the press in the national capital. And the man who did it with aplomb was Mr P. A. Sangma, former Lok Sabha Speaker, known for his disarming ways and keen sense of humour.

The butt of Mr Sangma's incisive wit was the media itself. Just when the seminar began generating yawns in the post-lunch session from a fully packed hall, Mr Sangma literally breathed life into the soporific proceedings. A journalist had raised the issue of thin attendance in Parliament, showing lack of seriousness by MPs. A smiling Sangma took the floor and narrated an incident in the Lok Sabha some years ago when he was the Speaker.

The House was sitting late beyond midnight to discuss an important issue. There were not many members present. Mr Sangma just wanted to know the attendance in the press gallery and dispatched a staff member to find out. "In the morning newspapers, every reporter bemoaned the fact that there were only 30-40 members present, but I knew from my 'intelligence' that there were only two journalists present at the time — from news agencies PTI and UNI, Mr Sangma said sending the gathering into splits.

Narrating another incident, Mr Sangma recalled that in one particular Lok Sabha election he was contesting from his home State Meghalaya, his main opponent was a tall man who rather uncharitably remarked that the short-statured Sangma would not be seen in the House if elected. "But I will be heard," had been Mr Sangma's riposte. . But once in the House, Mr Sangma realised it was very tough to get into the press.. At last during a commotion over some issue, he stood up on a bench and made few points. "The morning newspapers were full of me," Mr Sangma said roaring with laughter.

(The author, a former Deputy Editor of PTI, is a New Delhi-based freelance journalist. Feedback can be sent to rajamanirc@gmail.com)

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