RS adjourned thrice after uproar on WikiLeaks

NEW DELHI: Rajya Sabha witnessed uproarious scenes leading to three adjournments over the issue of WikiLeaks expose and reported telecom irregularities during NDA regime.

As soon as Leader of the Opposition Arun Jaitley rose to say that he had given two notices - one on privilege motion against the Prime Minister and the other seeking a discussion under Rule 176, which does not entail voting.

Deputy Chairman K Rahman Khan said Chairman Hamid Ansari was seized of the matter and a decision was yet to be taken on the two notices given by the Leader of the Opposition.

However, BJP members persisted that Jaitley should be allowed to speak.

In the meanwhile, Congress members began waving a weekly news magazine, which carried reports on alleged telecom irregularities during the NDA regime when senior BJP leader Arun Shourie held the portfolio.

Khan had a tough time in persuading Congress members to allow the LoP to speak. Though he repeatedly said the LoP should be allowed to speak as it is his privilege, the ruling side members were unrelenting and shouted "no, no".

Khan then adjourned the House for 15 minutes. However, when the House reassembled, members from both sides once again engaged in a heated exchange of words.

Jaitley said the government should agree for an immediate discussion under Rule 176 as the Opposition also wanted the House to run.

Minister of State of Parliamentary Affairs Ashwani Kumar took strong objection to BJP members trooping into the well saying though the government always favoured a discussion on all issues, an atmosphere has to be created for it.

As the din continued, the Chair adjourned the House till 12 noon.

But, similar scenes were witnessed when the House met at noon and it was again adjourned till 2 pm.