Israel-Palestine row force Rajya Sabha adjournment for the day

In the Rajya Sabha today, the Opposition parties stalled the proceedings over the procedural wrangle whether to take up or not a short duration discussion on violence in the Gaza and West Bank area of Palestine.

Earlier, the house witnessed three adjournments on the issue. The opposition continued to insist on taking up the discussion, saying it was listed in the business of the day. But the government wanted to wait till the Rajya Sabha Chairman takes a decision on its letter that sought no discussion on a sensitive matter in the house as India is friendly to both Israel and the Palestinians.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said that both Israel and Palestine are friendly countries to India and such a debate was neither acceptable as per the rules nor desirable.

She said the matter should not be discussed to avoid any negative impact on the relations. She also said her letter on the matter is pending before the Chairman for his consideration.

Swaraj also clarified that the Lok Sabha has dropped discussion on the issue. Despite her appeal, several members from opposition quoted the rule book in support of their stand on discussing the issue.

On several occasions, ministers including Parliamentary Affairs Venkaiah Naidu justified the government's stand not to take up the issue for discussion. He appealed to the agitating members to take up discussion on the Railway Budget till final decision from the chair.

Deputy Chairman Prof. P.J. Kurien adjourned the house finally for the day as several members trooped into the well.