Rajya Sabha disrupted over demands of debate on Gaza

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

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

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.

The government has relented to opposition demand, and has fixed Monday for the debate.

However, 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.