RS proceedings in chaos over Indo-US nuclear deal

New Delhi, Aug 20 (UNI) Noisy protests by the United National Progressive Alliance (UNPA) over the contentious Indo-US civil nuclear deal today led to four adjournments of the Rajya Sabha till 1400 hrs.

At the commencement of the zero hour, House Chairman Hamid Ansari said several notices were received for admission of privilege motion under rule 168. But he ruled that only a discussion would take place without any voting on the matter.

''It is not mandatory for the executive to take parliamentary approval for signing international treaties,'' said Mr Ansari.

Leader of the Opposition in the House Jaswant Singh said the signing of the Indo-US civilian nuclear agreement was an issue of mounting concern. The matter has turned curious and extreme concern has been voiced from many quarters.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has termed those opposing the deal traitors, Mr Singh claimed.

This infuriated Congress leaders who were on their feet, saying the opposition leader had levelled a baseless allegation.

The Rajya Sabha was adjourned thrice during zero hour as angry protests from both sides continued. Earlier the House was adjourned for 15 minutes when the House assembled in the morning and the opposition leaders demanded the issue be discussed.

However, UNPA members including senior Samajwadi Party leaders Janeswar Misra and Mr Amar Singh who were also supported by the BJP, were in no mood to listen. They said the matter was very grave and the Question Hour could be suspended to take it up.

Some of the TDP and AIDMK members came into the well of the House to press their demand. Mr Murli Manohar Joshi of the BJP said he supported their demands.

UNI