Lokpal Bill not passed, Rajya Sabha adjourned abruptly

NEW DELHI: In a total anti-climax, the Rajya Sabha tonight adjourned abruptly without passing the Lokpal Bill in the midst of uproar after government sought more time for considering enormous number of amendments.

On a day of high-drama when a constituent of the government Trinamool Congress moved amendments to the Bill and refused to withdraw them, the government which is in a minority in the Upper House, appeared to avoid a vote that it may lose.

After a brief 15 minute adjournement before midnight , when the House reconvened, Parliamentary Affairs Minister P K Bansal said opposition has moved 187 amendments and government needed time to consider them. He said it was the prerogative of the government to convene the House and the Session.

Amidst noise, Leader of Opposition Arun Jaitley said the government was running away from the House because it was in a "hopeless minority".

"A government which did not have the numbers in the House has consciously first choreagraphed a debate so that it cannot not be concluded before the 12 O' Clock," Jaitley said.

As uproar continued, Ansari said, "an unprecedented situation has arisen. There appears to be a desire to outshout each other. There is total impasse. The House cannot be conduted in this noise. It requires orderly proceedings.

"I am afraid the Chair has no option but to reluctantly...," Ansari said and announced the playing of national song 'Vande Mataram', which is usually played at the end of a Session before adjourning sine die.

After the song was played, he said "the House stands adjourned sine die."

Later, members of BJP and Left staged protest in Parliament complex for not passing Lokpal Bill in Rajya Sabha.