Office of Profit bill hits roadblock, RS adjourned repeatedly

New Delhi, July 27 (UNI) The Office of Profit Bill hit its first roadblock in the Rajya Sabha today when the House was repeatedly adjourned amid stiff protests by Opposition which was demanding priority to the short duration discussion on the Mumbai blasts.

In the pre-lunch session, Chairman Bhairon Singh Shekhawat adjourned the House for 30 minutes at 1230 hrs on the issue. After the House reassembled at 1300 hrs, Deputy Chairman Rehman Khan again adjourned the house for 30 minutes.

It was again adjourned till 1430 hrs as the opposition members did not relent and demanded that the issue of Mumbai bomb blasts be given priority.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi said the Chairman had already given a ruling that the issue be taken up later. He said he was bound by the Chairman's ruling and would stick to it.

Opposition members, however, alleged that the government was not taking the matter seriously.

Mr Arun Shourie (BJP) charged the treasury benches with ''over-ruling'' the President and said he was being ''insulted'' and ''used''.

This sparked off protests from the treasury benches. The protests and counter-protests continued for ten minutes after which the Deputy Chairman adjourned the House till 1430 Hrs.

As soon as Rajya Sabha X X X picking up from para two line one of PAR 8 ''OFFICE OF PROFIT ROADBLOCK-RS'' UNI RB MSJ HT1405