SPEECH OF DR. THAROOR
"I rise to explain to you, the honourable members of this august House,
my resignation from the Union Council of Ministers.
As a loyal public servant, I am conscious of the controversy over my
involvement in the IPL issue was distracting Parliament from far more important
business.
As I explained in my statement to the Lok Sabha on Friday, which I
attempted to deliver to the Lok Sabha on Friday, and reiterated to the Prime
Minister on Sunday, my conscience is clear, and I know that I have done nothing
improper or unethical, let alone illegal.
Nonetheless, in view of the ongoing political controversy, I have no
desire to be an embarrassment to the government, and I believe that my
departure at this stage will allow the Prime Minister and his cabinet
colleagues to focus on the great challenges facing our nation. Such a step is
in the highest moral tradition of our democratic system, and in keeping with
the standards that I'm sure we all wish to uphold in our nation's public life.
I reckon the fact that this august House, of which the voters of
Thiruvanthapuram have made me a proud member, has now moved on from the
disruption we witnessed on Friday, to address the important issues which await
consideration and to take the crucial decisions needed to promote the well
being of the wonderful people of our great country.
Madam speaker, I am new to Indian politics, but I have a long record of
public service unblemished by the slightest tint of financial irregularity. I
am deeply wounded by the fanciful and malicious charges that have been made
against me, and I have requested the Prime Minister to have these charges
against me thoroughly investigated. I've led a life of personal integrity
...and it is important to me that my name is cleared.
Madam speaker. I returned to India after long years of international
service, because I had always cherised the desire to make a difference in my
own country. Growing up in India and then looking at it from abroad, I could
see how much there is to be proud of in our land, and how much the Indian
people deserve the best efforts of all who aspire to lead our great democracy.
I returned to India because I believe in an India of honesty and hard
work, not of corruption and crookedness. I believe in an India of openness and
straightforwardness, not of hypocrisy and double-dealing. I believe in an India
where opportunities are available to all, and not just to a chosen few. I
believe in an India of pluralism and diversity, not of religious bigotry and
caste politics. I believe in an India that is secure in itself and confident of
its place in the world, an India that is a proud example of tolerance, freedom
and hope for the downtrodden. That India will only be built by the sincere
efforts of all of us in this august House and outside it. This is the vision
with which the voters of Thiruvantharapurm sent me to sit in your midst.
I am proud to represent the capital of Kerala, a state that in so many
ways is a trailblazer for India's progress, though in other respects it seems
to have been left behind in the race for 21st century development. The Keralite
ethos, with its cultural unity and its religious diversity, its high
educational standards and respect for democracy, its commitment to the
empowerment of women, and the well-being of the poor, this ethos embodies the
best of India.
Madam speaker, my heart swells with pride for India, and Keralite blood
throbs in my veins. I should like to reiterate that it has been a great
privilege for me to serve the Indian National Congress party, and the
government of India. I shall always be grateful to the honourable Prime
Minister of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh, and the chairperson of the United
Progressive Alliance and the leader of my party, Srimati Sonia Gandhi, for the
opportunity they have given me to be of service to our country. They have been
two of the finest of that select band of great men and women who've dedicated
their lives to the service of the people of our nation.
I have great confidence that under their leadership, the country is in
good hands, and the Indian people can look forward to increasing security and
prosperity in a troubled world. I should like to reiterate that it has been a
great privilege for me to serve my party and now, to have served the
government.
Today Madam Speaker, marks a new beginning for me, and I am heartened
by the love, friendship and loyalty I have received from countless numbers of
well-wishers in Thiruvantharapuram, across my home state of Kerala, and
throughout our great country.
I am grateful for their support and encouragement, and I am determined
to continue to do my best for India, and for the ideals that brought me back
here. Thank you Madam Speaker. "
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