SP furore over Raj Thackeray remarks forces RS adjournment

New Delhi, May 6 (UNI) The members of the Samajwadi Party today disrupted proceedings in the Rajya Sabha over Maharashtra Navnirman Sena leader Raj Thackeray's statement against north Indians, forcing the adjournment of the House till 1200 hrs.

As soon as proceedings in the Question Hour began after obituary reference by Chairman Hamid Ansari to Tabla Maestro Kishan Maharaj and condolence over the large number of deaths in Myanmar cyclone, the members of the Samajwadi Party rose up on their feet demanding arrest of Raj Thackeray over his statements against north Indians in Maharashtra, especially those from UP and Bihar.

Raising slogans like 'Samvidhan ki raksha karo'(protect the constitution) and 'Maharashtra mein gundagardi nahin chalegi' (Goondaism will not be tolerated in Maharashtra), the SP members entered the well of the House and did not allow the Question Hour to proceed.

Repeated pleas of the Chairman to members to resume their seats and allow the Question hour to proceed fell on deaf ears while the members stood in the well raising slogans against Raj Thackeray.

Amid the furore, the Chairman adjourned the House till 1200hrs.

UNI AR PK GC1133