The Upper House witnessed uproarious scenes, both in the Question Hour and at noon with BSP members trooping into the well and shouting slogans, blaming the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance government for the plight of the farmers.
The BJP, on the other hand, sought to corner the government on various scams, which are hogging the headlines. In an apparent bid to turn the table on the Congress, which has launched a movement against land acquisition in Mayawati-ruled Uttar Pradesh, members of Parliament from her party made a strong demand for early introduction of new land acquisition amendment bill. The Congress is working hard to gain ground in the state, which goes to elections next year.
Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi had promised a new law, which will give a fair deal to those displaced by land acquisition. Gandhi had also supported the farmers' agitation in Greater Noida on Delhi's outskirts.
New Rural Development Minister Jairam Ramesh has since released a draft bill, which has provisions for higher compensation and rehabilitation of farmers losing land.
"We will not tolerate atrocities on farmers. Bring the new land acquisition law soon," shouted BSP members, trooping in the well during Zero Hour.
In the din, Chairman Hamid Ansari asked for paper laying, after which he adjourned the house for the day, as the BSP members were unrelenting and the BJP and Shiv Sena were on their feet. Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh was present.
Earlier in the day, the BJP and other parties forced a brief adjournment, immediately after Ansari read out obituary references. BJP members raised the issue of statements made by former telecom minister A Raja in the court.
They were supported by members of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, who displayed copies of a Tamil newspaper.
BSP members raised the issue of farmers plight and were seen moving into the aisles.
Ansari said he could not hear anyone as members were speaking simultaneously. Minutes into the din, he adjourned the house for 15 minutes till 12 pm.
No legislative business, as also the Question Hour, could be carried out on the first day of the monsoon session, which is expected to be stormy in days ahead.
