Gaza debate stalls Rajya Sabha proceedings 3rd day in a row

The standoff between the government and the Opposition over a Rajya Sabha debate on Israel’s continued raids on Gaza Strip spilled on to Friday leading to chaos in the Upper House.

The standoff between the government and the Opposition over a Rajya Sabha debate on Israel’s continued raids on Gaza Strip spilled on to Friday leading to chaos in the Upper House.

No serious business could be transacted in the RS as the government rejected the opposition’s demand for an immediate debate on the issue and said it could take place at noon on Monday.

This did not satisfy the Opposition, who said the discussion could be taken up on Friday and the external affairs minister could reply on Monday. The house was adjourned twice during the question hour and one again before the lunch, as the two sides could not reach an agreement.

In the din, the government laid CAG reports and the budget for the national capital of Delhi for 2014-15. Minister of state for personnel Jitender Singh made a statement on the issue of Civil Services Exams conducted by the UPSC.

Even the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) tried to raise issue of violence in Gaza violence in the Lok Sabha but was denied permission.