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SHRI CHANDRA SHEKHAR (Ballia) : Mr. Speaker, Sir, the sad demise of Biju Patnaikji has created a vacuum in Indian Polity. As the leader of the opposition has also stated, his competence, bravery, sentiments of sacrifice, patriotism and his vision of a new India will be a source of inspiration for all of us. I was closely associated with him during emergency. His capability to encourage people and sense of attachment to people was worth emulating. He was senior to me in terms of age but he always treated me like his colleague and equal. During the last 20 years whenever we met he called me ‘Bolo Ballia’ and I used to reply to it by saying ‘Kaho Oriya’. This continued for a long time. When he was admitted to hospital for illness, I visited there. The doctor requested me for persuading him to stay in the hospital because he was not ready to do so. When I told him to abide by the opinion of the doctor, he said that doctors cannot treat my ailing lungs then what is the use of staying in the hospital. After persuation for 20 minutes he became ready to stay in the hospital. On the second day when, I took leave from him he said:-

With one condition, ‘come tomorrow positively.

Next day when I visited hospital, he suffered a severe attack and doctors advised me not to see him. Two days before his death some improvement was noticed in his health and he breathed his last when I visited him. I remember the scene of Puri. Atalji and Deve Gowdaji were also with me. It seemed that whole of Orissa had gathered on the sea shore to pay homage. A large number of political leaders were also present there. I cannot describe his courage enthusiasm. Just now Atalji and other leaders mentioned his contribution in the progress of the country. He actively took part in revolutionary movement of 1942, democratic movement of Indonesia and Nepal. He was associated with Lohiaji, Arunaji, Jai Prakashji and Narendra Devji. I am remembering a line of poetry written by some poet about Acharyaji. Perhaps, it will be able to express our sentiments : -

“Jilaye to rahoon, bas kahan hamara hai,

yu hi to Aadi Se, ab tak manushya hara hai,

Sivay maut ke koi tujhe jhuka na saka,

Tera marna bhi bas jeene ka ek sahara hai.

This is my homage to Biju Patnaikji.

We also have a deep sense of sorrow for the Haj pilgrims, who have been killed in the fire accident which took place in Saudi Arabia. They had gone there to pray but were killed on their way. The whole country is greaved on this incident. I express my condolences to the bereaved families.