15th Lok Sabha Begins

This time around I was not nervous. Entering the main building did not make me numb. As I was taking the oath, I was relaxed enough to look around and observe my surroundings. I even noticed several people were absent.

Ladies and Gentlemen - welcome to the 15 edition of the Lok Sabha. The last time around, there was drama, suspense, horror, deception, disruption and a little bit of progress. This time around, we're hoping to accomplish a lot more progress. As Pranab Ji said it in his patented style, our campaigning for the 2014 elections must begin today itself.

After taking the oath, as I approached Advani Ji for his blessings, he said something to me that I can never forget. He said to me that the future of India has very high hopes from me. The same sentiment was echoed by the other seniors in the opposition as they congratulated me. I was astonished at they candour. Is the opposition really broken down? Has the opposition lost their bearings? Have they also succumbed to the Gandhi aura? Am I now going to get a special treatment from them too?

I must have been there for only a moment and yet I was flooded with all sorts of random thoughts. Does a strong mandate for the Congress mean a fragmented and week opposition? Is that a reality of coalition politics? Do we have to now choose between a strong government and a strong opposition? Can we not have both? Are not both absolute essentials for a proper democracy? The opposition too represents citizen's sentiments and if they're not well represented in the house, will people take to the streets and get violent? Can we afford any more violence?

I must have been lost in all this for an eternity, and if you saw the live proceedings on TV - you would agree it was an eternity, but speaking to Sachin and Praful Ji later I learnt that everyone received the same comment from these stalwarts. They were just being cordial.

That made more sense to me.

But I must agree that even though the opposition made personal attacks at me, my family and my party leaders - in person they are kind and courteous. I guess it is just the politics that brings out the worst in us all. I too may have been out of line at time during the campaign.

As our very own Dr. Singh said before the start of the session - let this be a new beginning.