Lok Sabha adjourned on Sethusumdaram issue

New Delhi, May 16 (UNI) The Lok Sabha was adjourned today during Zero Hour till 1400 hours on the Sethsamudram canal issue as BJP stalwart Vijay Kumar Malhotra and Minister for Shipping T R Baalu traded charges leading to uproarious scenes.

Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee permitted Mr Malhotra to speak on the Calling Attention Motion by Mr Dharmendra Pradhan(BJP), as the latter was not present in the House. Mr Malhotra was giving his reaction to the Statement by Mr Baalu on the status of the Sethusamudram project.

The BJP veteran charged that the Minister's statement was "mischievous, disappointing and questionable".

Mr Malhotra said any attempt to alter the Ramsethu bridge, which the Hindus revered and worshipped, would hurt the sentiments of millions.

A provoked Mr Baalu questioned the remarks of Mr Malhotra, following which several BJP members rose on their seats, including former Union Minister Ananth Kumar.

The Speaker adjoined both the sides to maintain decorum, but the BJP members and Mr Baalu continued to shout at each other. What exactly was being stated was not audible.

This led to pandemonium which compelled Mr Chatterjee to adjourn the House.

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