Prime Miniser Narendra Modi today lamented the growing absence of wit and humour in Parliamentary proceedings remarking that lawmakers fear how media will play it up.
"Humour and wit are gradually fading away from Parliamentary proceedings as members are apprehensive as to what colour the 24x7 (media) would give to even one proverb they utter," he said.
Modi was speaking at a function at which Arun Jaitley, Karan Singh and Sharad Yadav were presented the outstanding Parliamentarian awards by President Pranab Mukherjee in the presence of Vice President Hamid Ansari and Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan along with a galaxy of parliamentarians.
He recalled a barb by Sushma Swaraj on Sharad Pawar during a function in Parliament some two decades back dubbing him as Lalita Pawar (veteran actress known for her negative roles).
He said while the NCP leader thoroughly enjoyed the remark, there was no proper coverage of the light banter.
The Prime Minister also said that Parliament does not function only on the basis of oratory.
"As long as there is no confluence of oratory, action and leadership, neither Parliament can be influenced nor nations would be inspired", he said.
He also wanted a survey to be undertaken to get feedback from the people about the functioning of Parliament. He said this would give ideas on how to move forward.
He suggested that the Lok Sabha call a meeting of the state assembly Speakers to explore the possibility of giving such awards to legislators.
Modi also heaped praise on the President who pops out with dates and time of historical events and detailed information and wondered of "what software his brain was made of".
"A half-an-hour talk with him is like reading a good book," he said.
