Rajya Sabha witnesses repeated adjournments

Rajya Sabha proceedings were on Tuesday adjourned for the third time amid uproar by YSR Congress members demanding special status for Andhra Pradesh.

When the Upper House reconvened at 1 PM after two adjournments, YSR Congress members led by V Vijaysai Reddy trooped in the well shouting slogans, "We want justice. We want special status to Andhra Pradesh."

Deputy Chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh asked protesting members several times to go back to their seats and allow the debate on the COVID-19 pandemic.


Leader of the House Piyush Goyal appealed to the protesting members to allow discussion on the important issue that has affected the entire humanity.

"I would like to appeal to allow the House to discuss this very important subject that is affecting the whole world today. Entire country is watching us, watching this debate on Covid. Request you to discuss this important matter," he said.

Goyal also asked YSR Congress members to share their experience in tackling the pandemic and "give us guidance so that others can also benefit from your experience."

However, the protesting members did not yield to the Deputy Chairman's request to keep the House in order and continued shouting standing in the Well.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Chairman asked Leader of Opposition Party Mallikarjun Kharge to initiate the debate.

Amid the commotion, Kharge said, "House is not in order. How can I speak?"

Later, the Deputy Chair called other members. Since Vinay P Sahasrabuddhe was not there, Swapan Das Gupta (nominated) spoke amid the commotion.

As slogan shouting continued, the chair adjourned the House for 15 minutes.

Earlier, the House proceedings were adjourned twice over various issues including the Pegasus snooping row.