Thaindian News

New Delhi, Aug 2 (IANS) The Rajya Sabha was adjourned for the day Tuesday as opposition members continued demanding a discussion on price rise under rules which provide for voting.

The house saw its first adjournment within minutes after opening, resulting in the loss of question hour.

Opposition members were on their feet demanding a discussion on price rise under rule 167, which entails voting.

The house met again at 12 noon when, amidst uproarious scenes, papers were laid on the table. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) members trooped close to the chairman’s podium shouting “We want 167!”

Another adjournment followed. When the house met at 2 p.m., the situation was no different.

Opposition members were on their feet demanding a discussion under rule 167 on price rise.

While BJP members trooped close to the chairman’s podium, the Left members stood at their seats demanding a discussion.

Amid the din, Deputy Chairman K. Rehman Khan adjourned the house for the day.

Both BJP and Left parties Tuesday submitted a notice in the Rajya Sabha for a discussion on price rise under rule 167.

The BJP demanded the prime minister respond on the issue of price rise in parliament.

“The prime minister should (explain) the reasons for price rise,” BJP leader M. Venkaiah Naidu told reporters outside parliament.

Communist Party of India-Marxist leader Sitaram Yechury added: “Price rise is affecting the common man. The government needs to take a committed stand on inflation.”

Minister of State for Parliamentary affairs Rajiv Shukla said the opposition members had first sought a discussion on terrorism for Tuesday, and changed the issue at the last minute.

“A discussion on terrorism was agreed upon by the business advisory committee. Now they want a discussion on price rise, it is not possible to change issues at the last minute,” Shukla told reporters.