Uproar in Rajya Sabha over Moga molestation

The Rajya Sabha on Tuesday witnessed an uproar over the Moga molestation incident, with two adjournments in the zero hour.

As soon as the house met, Congress leader Ambika Soni raised the issue.

"There is a complete breakdown of law and order in Punjab; Centre must intervene," she said.

Congress leader Anand Sharma joined her and said the issue is "very serious" and the house should condemn the incident.

Deputy Chairman P.J. Kurien, however, said no notice was given to the chair for taking up the issue.

"I am not saying anything about merit of what you are saying. All I have said is, please give notice," Kurien said.

Communist Party of India-Marxist leader Sitaram Yechury urged the chair to allow the matter as it was important.

"Because of the importance of the incident, please allow us to discuss," Yechury said.

Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said the state government has taken immediate action against the culprits and it was not proper to discuss the working of state governments in the house.

Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati, meanwhile, demanded imposition of President's rule in Punjab.

However, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) members opposed the taking up the issue for discussion in the house.

Amid the ruckus, Kurien adjourned the house for ten minutes. When the house met again, the scene remained the same, and the chair adjourned the house till 12 noon.