RS stalled for second day on price rise issue

Proceedings in the Rajya Sabha were stalled for the second consecutive day as a united Opposition today persisted with its demand for a discussion on price rise under a rule which entails voting.

Soon after a member was sworn in, the united Opposition including NDA, Left and AIADMK and even some parties supporting the government from outside like SP, RJD and BSP vociferously raised the the issue of hike in prices of essential commodities.

The Opposition, demanding discussion under Rule 168 which entails voting, was countered by the ruling benches which wanted the Question Hour to be taken up.

Amid the din, Chairman Hamid Ansari called Leader of the Opposition Arun Jaitley to make a statement. Jaitley rose to speak but could not do so as the din continued. Ansari was forced to adjourn the House till 1200 noon.

Similar scenes were witnessed when the house reassembled. Members belonging to BJP, RJD and SP shouted slogans against the government describing it "incompetent".

In the din, Deputy Chairman K Rehman Khan asked ministers to lay papers listed against their name. As several BJP members rushed to the well, Khan adjourned the House for the day after the papers were laid. The House could not transact any business.

The list of business for the day included a short duration discussion on the unabated rise in prices of essential commodities further compounded by steep increase in petroleum prices.

Food inflation is ruling at 12.47 per cent and general inflation at 10.55 per cent.

Consideration and passing of the bill providing for registration and regulation of clinical establishments was on the day's agenda.