Rajya Sabha disrupted over Uttarakhand issue

The Rajya Sabha was on Tuesday again disrupted over the Uttarakhand issue.

The Congress, supported by other parties including the Left, Samajwadi Party and Bahujan Samaj Party, demanded an immediate debate on the issue.

Congress leader Anand Sharma cited the rules and said a debate can be taken up even if the matter is subjudice.

Sharma said his party wanted to "discuss and pass a resolution on developments in intersession period in Uttarakhand where democratically elected government has been destabilised by the central government."

"When the proclamation comes, a debate can take place but why can't it take place now? If the house agrees there can be a debate," he said.

He was supported by SP leader Naresh Agrawal and BSP leader Mayawati.

Leader of House Arun Jaitley, however, said there can be no debate before the proclamation comes.

"As far as article 356 and Uttarakhand is concerned we also have a lot to say. It has never happened that presiding officers convert minority into majority and vice versa. This is the real breakdown of the constitution," Jaitley said.

"As many as 35 out of 57 members say we have voted against the (finance) bill and presiding officers say minority is majority. If there is a discussion we will certainly participate. There is no procedure for having a pre proclamation discussion," he said.

Congress members then trooped near the chairman's podium shouting slogans following which the house was adjourned till 12 noon.

--IANS

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