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Rajya Sabha adjourned over Bihar developments

The Rajya Sabha was adjourned for the day today following pandemonium over the role of the Bihar governor in inviting NDA leader Nitish Kumar to form the government in that state.

As soon the house assembled, Leader of the Opposition Manmohan Singh rose to read his notice for suspension of question hour. He deplored the role of the Bihar governor in making Nitish Kumar the chief minister, when he (Kumar) did not have a majority in the house. This was in violation of all democratic norms and despite the Rashtriya Janata Dal having emerged as the single largest party.

As Dr Singh finished reading his notice, the members belonging to the RJD and the left parties were on their feet shouting slogans against the Bihar governor.

After Chairman Krishna Kant said as per his earlier ruling he could not suspend question hour, there were further protests from the Opposition.

Kant next called the leader of the house Jaswant Singh but for a few minutes he could not speak as the Opposition kept up their shouts. At one stage some BJP members also joined in with counter-slogans.

Jaswant Singh was heard saying that his government was prepared to discuss the issue through a motion admitted by the chair and in the time allotted for the same, and that the house should continue with question hour.

At one stage Venkaiya Naidu of the BJP was seen arguing with the agitated Opposition members but all he said was lost in the din.

This continued for about fifteen minutes, when the chairman called for question no 141 to be taken up but immediately had to announce the adjournment of the house till 1400 hrs.

Soon after the house reassembled it was adjourned for the day as the trouble continued.

UNI

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