Opposition forces adjournment of Rajya Sabha over price rise

For the second consecutive day, a determined opposition today forced adjournment of Rajya Sabha till noon over the issue of price rise.

As soon as the House met for the day, BJP members were on their feet demanding discussion on rising food prices under Rule 167, which entails voting.

The BJP deputy leader SS Ahluwalia said there should be a discussion followed by voting, a demand vehemently opposed by the ruling benches. Other opposition parties particularly SP, BSP and Left supported the BJP.

Chairman Hamid Ansari requested members to resume their seats and took up the listed question. But, as the din continued, Ansari said, "We cannot have Question Hour under these circumstances."

Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Prithviraj Chavan said the Government was ready for a debate on the issue and a short duration discussion was already listed for today. He said the Government was ready to discuss price rise even during Question Hour.

However, the opposition members were adamant on discussion under Rule 167. As the din continued, Ansari said, "The Chair can't hear anything." Less than four minutes into the uproar, he adjourned the House till noon.