Spat between Mani Shankar Aiyar, Naresh Agarwal in Rajya Sabha

NEW DELHI: Rajya Sabha witnessed a spat between Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar and Samajwadi Party member Naresh Agarwal at the fag end of an impromptu debate on killing of five Indian soldiers by Pakistan troops.

Trouble broke out when Opposition members sought reply from the government on the attack at the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir by Pakistani troops.

Chairman Hamid Ansari asked if it was wish of the House to dispense with the Question Hour.

While the treasury benches shouted "no" in chorus, Opposition members continued to press for a reply by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

Aiyar, a former Petroleum Minister, said there were equally serious issues concerning rise in natural gas prices listed for Question Hour and asked SP members if they were not concerned about increase in gas prices.

To this, Agarwal made an insinuation against Aiyar which the Chairman immediately expunged.

"How dare you call me that," Aiyar said, as he charged towards Agarwal.

Aiyar was, however, stopped by other members. Former Law Minister Ashwani Kumar too said Agarwal should not have made such objectionable remarks. "Aap ney itni badi baat kaisey kahi (how could you say such a big thing)," he said.

Sensing the mood of the members, Ansari adjourned the House till noon.

After the House was adjourned, some MPs including D Raja (CPI) appeared to be telling Agarwal that his remarks against Aiyar were not parliamentary.