Quattrocchi issue rocks both Houses of Parliament

New Delhi, Feb 27 (UNI) The issue of Italian fugitive Ottavio Quattrocchi, main accused in the Bofors scam, today rocked both Houses of Parliament, forcing adjournment despite the government's assurance to make a statement on it today itself.

While the Lok Sabha was adjourned till 1200 hours, the Rajya Sabha till 1230 hours.

Both Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee and Rajya Sabha Chairman Bhairon Singh Shekhawat faced strong protests from the Opposition which was adamant on making the statement on the matter before any proceedings were taken up.

Even though the Lok Sabha Speaker announced, as soon as the House assembled, that Parliamentary Affairs Minister Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi would make a statement on the issue at 1200 hours, the Opposition members continued to be on their feet, forcing the adjournment.

The Opposition demanded that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh should make a statement on the issue.

In the Rajya Sabha, the BJP-led opposition and Samajwadi Party members shouted slogans alleging suppression of information about Bofors pay-offs accused Quattrocchi, his arrest and subsequent release in Argentina.

The Left was also on their feet but for a different issue--price rise and inflation.

Din prevailed in the House following which the Chair suspended the proceedings till 1230 hrs.

UNI