Speaker adjourns LS after PM's words on Lebanon

New Delhi, July 27: Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee today adjourned the House abruptly as the Left and opposition members, defying the chair, persisted with seeking clarifications on Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's statement on the situation in Lebanon.

The adjournment, till 1330 hrs, came at 1225 hrs soon after Dr Singh's statement, assuring the House that the safety of about 12,000 Indians, who were in Lebanon at the time of eruption of hostilities, were the prime concern of his government.

As soon as Dr Singh was through with his suo motu statement lasting about 10 minutes, Mr Basudeb Acharia and Mr Rupchand Pal (both CPI-M), Mr Gurudas Dasgupta (CPI), Mr Yerran Naidu (TDP), Mr Kharabela Swain (BJP) and several other non-treasury members were on their feet, seeking clarifications from the Prime Minister.

The Speaker, however, ruled that nothing would go on record and asked Mr D V Sadananda Gowda (BJP) to raise the issue for which he had given notice.

The agitated Left, SP and opposition members were insisting on seeking clarifications.

''I shall allow a discussion. Move a motion. But I will not allow the practice of raising questions after a statement,'' the Speaker remarked and adjourned the House abruptly as the members refused to heed his advice.

UNI