As two of the speakers fielded by the UPA on Tuesday, both RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi made a pitch for the nuclear deal, but in their own distinctive styles. While Lalu was his trademark earthy self, Rahul began by saying he spoke “as an Indian, and not a member of a political party”.

Lalu left the Treasury benches and Speaker Somnath Chatterjee laughing when he said the “rakshasas” would be vanquished at “gau bela” (dusk).

Taking a dig at L K Advani, Lalu said: “Sabke man mein ichchha hai PM banne ki. Mere man mein bhi hai, lekin, main kisi hadbadi mein nahin hun (Everyone want to become PM one day. Even I want to be one day. But, I am in no hurry).” But to cut Advani to his size, he added: “Advani koi Vajpayee thode na hain. (Advani has not match to Vajpayee).” He continue: “Will Mayawati be allowed to become PM, she is a Dalit and a women — she will not be allowed to become the PM.”

Referring to Advani’s speech in the House on Monday, Lalu said: “Hindutva ka nara dete hai, sacha Hindu wahi hai jo pind dene gaye.” Recalling the 1999 Kandahar hijack, he added: “Azhar Masood ko kisne chhudaya? Jawab dena padega, jahaj le kar kaun gaya? (Who freed Azhar Masood? You will have to give an answer).”

Beginning the debate by congratulating Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for taking a courageous step, Lalu quoted an old Hindi film song to define his relations with the Left. “Char saal pehle, hume tumsey pyaar tha, aaj bhi hai, aur kal bhi rahega (we were in love with you four years ago, are in love today, and will remain in love tomorrow,” he said.

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