Uproar over MNS attacks, Rajya Sabha adjourned till 1200hrs

New Delhi, Oct 21 (UNI) The Rajya Sabha was today adjourned till 1200 hours within five minutes of assembling amid noisy scenes by members of the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party, the Janata Dal (United) and the Rashtriya Janata Dal demanding discussion on the attacks on North Indians in Maharashtra by the Raj Thackeray-led Maharashtra Navanirman Sena.

The House also witnessed an uproar by the members of the DMK over the attacks on Tamils in Sri Lanka.

As soon as the House assembled for the day, the DMK members were on their feet demanding that the House take up discussion on the attacks on the Tamils in Sri Lanka. They were holding banners like ''Save The Tamils'' and ''Stop Genocide in Sri Lanka''.

This was followed by JD(U) leader Sharad Yadav raising the issue of attacks of North Indians in Maharashtra. Soon, members of the JD(U), RJD and the BJP were on their feet demanding a discussion on attacks of North Indians in Maharashtra by the Raj Thackeray-led MNS.

Pleas by Chairman Mohammad Hamid Ansari that discussion on these issues could be taken up at 1200 hours as per the rules and that the Question Hour be allowed to proceed went in vain as the members persisted with their demand for a discussion.

Left member Sitaram Yechury said the rules provided for a discussion on some serious issues during Question hour if the members so wanted and that they were only exercising their discretion in raising the demand.

As the uproar continued, the Chairman adjourned the House till 1200 Hours.

UNI AR NK AS1140