Quattrocchi issue again forces RS adjournment

New Delhi, Mar 1: Lodging a vociferous protest against Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's statement on the Quattrocchi issue outside Parliament, and demanding an explanation from him, the NDA today forced adjournment of the Rajya Sabha till 1200 hrs.

It was for the third time since the session began on last Friday that the House has seen disruption of its proceedings over the issue.

As soon as the House assembled, with the Prime Minister in his seat, senior BJP leader Sushma Swaraj rose to demand an explanation from Dr Singh. She said he had shown disregard for Parliament by keeping silent over the issue in the House but speaking later outside.

She was soon joined by Mr S S Ahluwalia of her party, with NDA members raising slogans against the Government's handling of the Quattrocchi case.

They were countered by the treasury benches.

Chairman Bhairon Singh Shekhawat asked them to suspend their protest till the Question Hour was over. He also objected to the ''unparliamentary language'' being used by the BJP members and ordered their remarks to be expunged from the record.

However, the NDA members were in no mood to listen, evoking equally loud protests from the treasury benches.

Finding it impossible to transact any business, the Chairman announced adjournment of the House till 1200 hrs.

UNI

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