Oppn stalls Question Hour in RS on price issue, House adjourns

NEW DELHI: A united Opposition stalled the proceedings in Rajya Sabha for the second day today over the issue of rise in prices of essential commodities, forcing adjournment of the House till 1200 noon.

Soon after Nand Kumar Sai (BJP) took oath, NDA members joined by Bahujan Samaj Party, Samajwadi Party, AIADMK, RJD and the Left parties vociferously raised the hike in prices of essential commodities particularly domestic cooking gas, LPG and PDS kerosene.

The Opposition, which was demanding an adjournment motion on the issue, was countered by ruling benches which wanted the Question Hour to be taken up.

Amid the din, Chairman Hamid Ansari called Leader of the Opposition Arun Jaitley to make a statement. Jaitley rose to speak but did not succeed as the din continued.

Ansari then asked the members to resume their places. "I have called Leader of Opposition (to speak), there is nothing that Chair can do (further)," he remarked, adding nobody can be heard if everybody speaks at the same time.

His remarks had no effect on the members, who continued to raise slogans. Minutes into the pandemonium, Ansari adjourned the House till 1200 noon.