Baalu issue rocks Rajya Sabha: House adjourned till May 5

New Delhi, Apr 30 (UNI) The T R Baalu controversy continued to rock the Rajya Sabha today forcing its adjournment till May 5 as the Opposition demanded a statement on the issue by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh instead of Petroleum Minister Murli Deora.

Soon after the Finance Bill was passed in presence of the Prime Minister, Mr Deora stood up to give the statement but BJP Deputy Leader Sushma Swaraj raised objection, saying Dr Singh make the statement on allegations of favouritism and misuse of office by the Shipping and Transport Minister.

However, the Prime Minister left the House prompting the BJP and its NDA allies to raise slogans-- ''We want Prime Minister''. They then trooped into the well of the House. Mr Deora, however, continued to read the statement amid the continuous din.

Deputy Chairman K Rehman Khan then adjourned the House till May 5.

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