Rajya Sabha disrupted over demands for debate on Gaza

The Rajya Sabha was disrupted again Friday as the opposition continued to create an uproar demanding a discussion on the on-going conflict in the Gaza Strip.

The house lost its question hour to disruptions, and saw as many as three adjournments before lunch.

As soon as the upper house met, opposition members were on their feet demanding a debate on the issue to be taken up immediately.

Responding to the opposition's demands, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Prakash Javadekar said the government is ready to discuss the matter Monday and this has been conveyed to the Business Advisory Committee.

Repeated pleas by the chair to take up the question hour first as scheduled went unheeded. As the din continued, the upper house was first adjourned for 15 minutes, and then till noon.

As the scene remained same when the house reassembled at noon, Deputy Chairman P.J. Kurien adjourned it till 2.30 p.m.

Opposition members are insisting that the debate be taken up immediately, as it was listed in the business of the day Wednesday when the government blocked it, saying rules did not allow "discourteous reference" towards "friendly nations".

The discussion has not been listed in the business chart for Friday.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj wrote to the chairman, urging him not to allow the debate.

The chairman has given a nod for the debate.