RS adjourns twice on reports to topple UP govt

NEW DELHI: The Rajya Sabha was adjourned twice during Question Hour on Monday after Samajwadi Party members trooped into the well of the House, charging a recommendation had been made to topple the UP government.

As soon as the House met for the day, SP members, led by Shahid Siddiqui, rushed to the Well saying a recommendation had been made to dismiss the Mulayam Singh Yadav government.

Chairman Bhairon Singh Shekhawat adjourned the House for 15 minutes as uproar continued.

When the House met again, the Question Hour was allowed to be taken up by SP members on an assurance that the government would clarify the matter.

After 30 minutes, Siddiqui raised the issue again and asked the government to state its position.

Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Suresh Pachouri said he condemned any report regarding the move to topple the UP government.

Slogan-shouting SP members said the Home Minister should clarify the matter.

Sensing the mood, Shekhawat adjourned the House again for 1O minutes till noon.

SP members shouted slogans "Samvidhan par hamla (attack on the Constitution) and Loktantra ke hathyaron hosh me aao (murderers of democracy, come to sense)."

The Chairman said nothing would go on record.

Despite Pachouri's denial and condemnation of the report, SP members demanded the Home Minister should clarify the matter.