RS adjourned after BSP, SP ruckus; Oppn blames govt

The Rajya Sabha was adjourned Wednesday with the BSP and SP disrupting the proceedings, triggering an outcry from the BJP, which alleged the government has decided not to run the House because of its "number game". Leader of Opposition Arun Jaitley demanded that the Prime Minister, the Leader of the House, clarify whether the government wanted to run the House.

BSP chief Mayawati stalled Question Hour, demanding a memorial for B R Ambedkar in Mumbai. Chairman Hamid Ansari said a statement by the government is listed in the agenda and the announcement will be made at noon, but Mayawati insisted that Question Hour be suspended and the statement be made, leading to the adjournment of the House till noon.

As the House reassembled, MoS, Parliamentary Affairs, Rajiv Shukla made the announcement. Mayawati insisted for details. As the issue was resolved with an assurance that Textile Minister Anand Sharma will give a detailed reply, SP members began shouting slogans against quota in promotion for SC/ST in government jobs, "Promotion mein reservation nahin chalega." Some Congress members shouted back, "Promotion mein reservation hokar rahega".

Amid the din, P J Kurien, who was in chair, asked Jaitley to initiate a discussion on the suspension of Indian Olympic Association by the IOC. However, as unruly scenes continued, Jaitley asked as to whether the government has decided not to allow the House to run and demanded that PM be called. As the uproar continued, Kurien adjourned the House for the day.

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