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Economist Bimal Jalan, jurist Ram Jethmalani, journalist Chandan Mitra and Bollywood actress Hema Malini retired from the Rajya Sabha on Friday after completing their six-year terms along with two others.
Jalan said "I am leaving the house but I will continue to be a member of the house. I shall continue to observe the proceedings and will take keen interest in the debates".
The Pioneer newspaper editor, Mitra, quoted from eminent poet Sahir Ludhianvi's immortal "Mein ik pal do pal ka shahir hoon" to show his feelings on leaving the house.
Chairman Hamid Ansari said that "valuable contributions" have been recorded along with the "rich and lively" debates they had participated in during their tenure.
"You will be missed. I hope you will take with you happy memories and I am confident you will serve the nation with the same vigour and enthusiasm that you have shown here," Ansari added.
While Jalan, Jethmalani and Mitra were nominated members, Hema Malini was the representative of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The others who retired on Friday were actor Dara Singh and Narayan Singh Manaklao, both of the BJP.
