The Rajya Sabha on Tuesday witnessed unprecedented situation with the opposition Congress and treasury benches indulging in heated exchanges.
When the House re-assembled at 3pm after several adjournments, Deputy Chairman Prof. P.J. Kurien said the House would take up the Whistle Blowers Protection Amendment Bill 2015 for further consideration and passing. It could not be taken up due to uproar.
Power Minister Piyush Goyal said the House should not be adjourned even as the opposition continue with sloganeering, as the ruling party members are ready to transact business till midnight. He was joined by his other ministerial colleagues, including Human Resources Development (HRD) Minister Smriti Irani and Health Minister J.P. Nadda. When the Congress members were shouting slogans in the well, ministers present in the House were on their feet at their seats.
Pained over the pandemonium in the House, Prof. Kurien remarked: ‘The behaviour of the members is unruly and undemocratic. The agitating members are hijacking the House.’ Later, he adjourned the House for the day.
Earlier, Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad said the Congress is committed to passing the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Amendment Bill, 2015 in the current session, but the House should be in order. The bill was moved for discussion yesterday by Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Thaawar Chand Gehlot.