RS adjourned over conflicting demands for debate by Cong, BJP

New Delhi, May 7 (UNI) The Rajya Sabha was adjourned for the day today following pandemonium as the Congress demanded a debate on the Gujarat incidents while the BJP insisted that the Leader of the Opposition Jaswant Singh be first given a chance to take up the situation in Kashmir.

The House was earlier adjourned twice first till 1200 hrs and then till 1400 hrs and ultimately, for the day as the differences remained unresolved.

As soon as the House reassembled at 1400 hrs, BJP members demanded that Mr Jaswant Singh be given a chance to discuss the Kashmir issue first as the BJP had given the notice first. Deputy Chairman K Rahman Khan first said the demand for Health Ministry was to be taken up but later said Chairman Bhairon Singh Shekhawat had ruled that the whole day was to be devoted to Zero Hour and altogether 27 notices were to be taken up.

However, Congress leader Hariprasad Chaturvedi and Narayan Swami said that since the situation in Gujarat was a matter of national concern so that be taken up first.

BJP members Sushma Swaraj, S S Ahluwalia, Kalyan Singh and Janata Dal(United) leader Digvijay Singh charged that the Congress members were trying to change the subject. Senior BJP leader and former Deputy Chairperson Najma Heptullah demanded that the Chair should give a clear cut ruling.

Mr Rahman Khan said that as per conventions the leader of the Opposition was given the first chance to speak on the Zero Hour debate, so the House should allow Mr Singh to speak first.

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