After Rajya Sabha washout, government ready for debate on Gaza

NEW DELHI: Yielding to Opposition demand, Government today agreed for a discussion in the Rajya Sabha on Gaza situation on Monday but not before proceedings of the day were washed out over the issue.

Doubts, however, remain on whether the House will function even tomorrow as the opposition was still not satisfied and wants discussion at the earliest.

The opposition contended that a "wrong message" has already gone out to the world about the "silence" of Indian Parliament on such a serious issue.

The issue echoed for last two days consecutively in the House which saw a deadlock as the opposition persisted with its demand for an early debate while the government resisted strongly, arguing that any discourteous remark could affect India's relations with Israel and Palestine.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj even wrote to Rajya Sabha Chairman Hamid Ansari, saying that the notices given by opposition members for a debate are inadmissible but her contention was rejected.

Ansari, however, did not give a ruling in favour of immediate discussion even, saying a date will be fixed for it in consultation with the government.

After the ruckus ensured washout of the proceedings of Rajya Sabha with opposition parties like Congress, Left, SP, JD(U) and Trinamool Congress remaining adamant, the government in the evening agreed to have a discussion on Monday.

Official sources said the debate will take place at 12 pm on Monday.