Rajya Sabha again disrupted

The Rajya Sabha was adjourned till 1 p.m. on Friday following repeated disruptions by opposition members over the controversies encompassing former IPL chief Lalit Modi and the Vyapam scam.

The Congress, supported by some other opposition parties, has been demanding the resignation of External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje over their association with Modi, while also demanding Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan's ouster over the Vyapam scam.

Congress leader Anand Sharma said: "We are within our rights to bring motions and demand action." He alleged that the government has not been responding.

Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said no notice has been given.

Union minister Ravishankar Prasad then said the government has always been ready for a discussion, but added that the opposition has been shying away.

The house then witnessed a din, with the ruling and the opposition benches trading charges.

Deputy Chairman P.J. Kurien then adjourned the house till noon. When the house met again at 12 noon the scene was no different.

Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad said business should be adjourned and prime minister should come in the house.

"The prime minister should come and tell what action has been taken to seek the resignation of the chief minister of Madhya Pradesh in Vyapam case," he said.

Naqvi retorted by saying that no one would resign.

As angry exchanges continued, the house was again adjourned till 1 p.m.