Turmoil in RS as BJP, Cong clash

Rajya Sabha was thrown into turmoil today as BJP and Congress members clashed over alleged irregularities in the telecom sector and WikiLeaks expose, derailing an important calling attention on nuclear safety in the country in the backdrop of Japan quake.

Rajya Sabha was thrown into turmoil today as BJP and Congress members clashed over alleged irregularities in the telecom sector and WikiLeaks expose, derailing an important calling attention on nuclear safety in the country in the backdrop of Japan quake.

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The confrontation between the two sides was visible as soon as the House met and repeated clashes forced the Chair to adjourn the House till tomorrow.

In the din, an important bill concerning prevention of sealing of unauthorised commercial constructions in the national capital was passed without discussion. Even in the Lok Sabha, no discussion could take place on the Bill, which seeks to give relief to the owners of the properties till end of this calendar year, against the court ordered sealing and demolition.

Soon after the House met for the day, 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.

However, this was stoutly opposed by Congress members. Deputy Chairman K Rahman Khan said Chairman was seized of the matter and a decision was yet to be taken on the two notices. BJP members persisted that Jaitley should be allowed to speak, but the demand was protested by the treasury benches. Congress members also waved copies of the weekly news magazine, which carried reports on alleged telecom irregularities during the NDA regime when senior BJP leader Arun Shourie held the portfolio of Disinvestment and the then government disinvested 25 per cent equity in VSNL to Tata group.

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".

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