Thaindian News

New Delhi, March 23 (IANS) Injecting humour into the often hostile proceedings in parliament Wednesday, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Sushma Swaraj both recited Urdu couplets during the discussion on allegations that the Congress bought MPs to win the 2008 trust vote.

Known for her oratory skills, Sushma Swaraj said during the debate on the US diplomatic cables brought out by WikiLeaks on what has come to be known as the cash-votes-scam that that Manmohan Singh was not a good leader because he had the habit of feigning ignorance about whatever happened in his government.

“Since you have great liking for Urdu and Urdu poetry, Manmohan Singh ji, let me recite a couplet today. Tu idhar udhar ki na baat kar, yeh bata ki qaafila kyon loota; hamein rahzanon se gila nahin, teri rehbari ka sawaal hai.” (Don’t talk hearsay, tell us why the caravan was looted; we have no grouse against dacoits but it is a question of your leadership).

Sushma Swaraj threw the poetry gauntlet at Manmohan Singh, who is known for quoting Urdu poetry in his speeches with a special liking for 18th century poet Mirza Ghalib.

When it was his turn to speak, Manmohan Singh humbly accepted that “I am no match to Sushmaji when it comes to oratory skills”.

But he had come well prepared and said he wanted to reply to Sushma Swaraj’s Urdu poetry. “Irshaad,” the opposition leader said, inviting him to recite his couplet.

The prime minister said: “Maana ki teri deed ke qaabil nahin hoon main; too mera shouq tou dekh, mera intezaar tou dekh.” (I understand that I am not worth your gaze; but have a look at my keenness, have a look at my anticipation for you).”

Loud bouts of laughter from the MPs, irrespective of party lines, erupted in the house with Congress members thumping their desks.