Opposition parties like the Bharatiya Janata Party, Left and Samajwadi Party on Tuesday closed ranks to force an hour-long adjournment of the Rajya Sabha over government's 'failure' to check rising food prices.
Soon after new member Anil Kumar Sahani (Janata Dal-United) took oath, the entire Opposition was on its feet seeking discussion on the issue under a rule which entails voting.
Chairman Mohd Hamid Ansari requested the members to resume their seats while allowing Leader of the Opposition Arun Jaitley to make his point.
Jaitley said his party had given two notices -- one for suspension of Question Hour to take up issue of rise in food prices and the second on a discussion under Rules 167 and 168, a demand rejected by the treasury benches.
"This government has completely failed to check rising prices," he said, adding prices have risen since discussion on the issue in the previous winter session of Parliament. Sitaram Yechury (Communist Party of India-Marxist) said the opposition was 'very very agitated' on the issue and discussion should be held under substantial motion.
Ansari said there was consensus on discussion on the issue but not on procedure.
A short duration discussion on the issue is listed later in the day, he pointed out. But this did not satisfy the Opposition members who were up on their feet seeking discussion under Rule 167 and 168.
"I am afraid we can't conduct business like this," Ansari said before adjourning the House till mid-day.
