RS adjourns till noon over phone tapping of politicians

NEW DELHI: A united Opposition today forced adjournment of the Rajya Sabha till noon over the alleged tapping of telephones of some senior politicians by the Government.

Soon after nominated member B Jayashree took oath, the entire opposition led by BJP and Left parties were up on their feet raising the issue.

S S Ahluwalia (BJP) said a notice for suspension of Question Hour has been given even as his colleagues shouted slogans condemning the alleged act.

Minister of State in Prime Minister's Office Prithviraj Chavan said, "Members have raised some issues... notices have been received. The Government will make a statement after the Question Hour."

This, however, did not satisfy the opposition members who continued to raise the issue.

Chairman Hamid Ansari said the Government will make a statement and pleaded with them to allow the Question Hour to proceed.

"All discussions will be at the appropriate time. This is Question Hour... Please allow the Question Hour to proceed," he pleaded but the Opposition benches were unrelenting.

Minutes into the din, Ansari adjourned the House till 12 noon.