New Delhi: Congress-led Opposition had uproar in Rajya Sabha on Thursday while demanding the discussion on the ongoing violence in Gaza. This uproar of Opposition had led to repeat adjournments of Rajya Sabha.
Chairman Hamid Ansari said though the matter was included in the agenda on Wednesday, it has not been taken up today following a request from Leader of the House Arun Jaitley. This infuriated members of the Congress and other parties in the Opposition.
Congress leader Anand Sharma had insisted the House to again include the matter in the list of business.
CPI-M leader Sitaram Yechury had also supported Congress leader and said that dropping the issue from the agenda would amount to violation of the Constitution.
He said though a communication has been received from Jaitley for having the discussion on another date, the reason for it has not been given.
JDU leader Sharad Yadav) said many Indians earn their livelihood in West Asia and thus, the matter concerned many people here.
Members also wanted to know why the discussion on the issue was being delayed, particularly after the violence was condemned by BRICS leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj yesterday sent a letter to the Chairman requesting him to withdraw the issue from the day’s agenda.
She informed the House shortly before the discussion was to begin that, “We have diplomatic ties with both nations. Any discourteous reference to any friendly country can impact our relations with them.”
Hamid Ansari said he was “unable to accede to the request” of Swaraj that the demand for discussion is inadmissible as he did not find any “infirmity in the notice given by” Leader of the Opposition and others.
Ansari had adjourned the House for 15 minutes. When the House reassembled, Leader of the Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad urged the Chair to suspend the Question Hour and take up a discussion on the issue. Amid uproar, Ansari adjourned the House till noon. It eventually had to be adjourned for the day.
Bureau Report
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