Oppn stalls pre-noon sitting of RS on conversion issue

Opposition led by Congress demanded an immediate discussion on the divisive and communal agenda being pushed through conversion camps

Opposition led by Congress today stalled pre-noon proceedings in Rajya Sabha demanding an immediate discussion on the divisive and communal agenda being pushed through conversion camps.

Congress Deputy Leader Anand Sharma said he has given a notice under rule 267 for suspension of business to discuss the forced conversions being carried out by RSS affiliates.

"It is a very serious issue," he said, adding coordinated effort was being made to divide and polarise the society on communal lies by an outfit which calls itself a cultural organisation.

"An explosive situation is being created in the country," he said, adding, "We don't want their designs to succeed."

Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said a discussion on conversion is listed on December 17 and Congress can raise the issue then.

Sitaram Yechury (CPI-M) said his party and others have also given notice to suspend business as "there is no further business which is important to us."

He also raised reports of schools being asked to remain open on Christmas Day to observe 'Good Governance Day'.

He said the forcible conversion and other incidents were part of a "package" to shred secular fabric of the Constitution.

Deputy Chairman P J Kurien said the notice under rule 267 can be moved only with the consent of the Chairman and the Chairman has not given any consent for it.

"Suspension motion is ruled out," he said. "We will get to Zero Hour. Suspension motion is ruled out as it has to be moved with the consent of Chairman and Chairman has not agreed to it," he observed.

Unhappy with the ruling, almost the entire opposition was up on its feet.

"We will not allow any business until this issue is settled," Sharma said.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said, "Is the Chair being threatened? This is unprecedented."

With Opposition unrelenting, Kurien adjourned the House till noon.