Opposition stalls RS on Gaza issue, House adjourned twice

The government said that they were ready for a discussion on Monday, however the opposition wanted one immediately

A vociferous opposition led by Congress and Left parties today stalled proceedings in Rajya Sabha during Question Hour demanding immediate discussion on killings of innocent women and children in Gaza.

While the government said it was ready for a discussion on the issue on Monday, the Opposition wanted it to be held immediately, leading to two adjournments till noon.

Soon after the House mourned the death of 298 passengers in a Malaysian airline crash in Ukraine, Sitaram Yechury (CPI-M) said a similar reference on the killing of innocent people in Gaza should have come from the Chair.

"United Nations has done it. We are a member of UN," he said, adding that according to the UN, 75% of those killed are civilians. 46% of those killed are women and children and 12% are below 5 years of age.

On humanitarian grounds, a reference must be made from the Chair, he pleaded.

Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Prakash Javedkar said while the issue of a reference on the killings in Gaza was a matter between Yechury and the Chair, the government is ready for discussion on Gaza on Monday.

"We are ready for discussion on Monday. On Monday at 12.00 O'Clock the discussion will take place," he said.

This did not satisfy the Opposition benches which said the discussion could be taken up today and the External Affairs Minister can reply on Monday.

Pramod Tiwari (Cong) asked why the government was running away from a discussion.

Citing the unanimous resolution passed by Parliament condemning US attack on Iraq during Atal Bihari Vajpayee government, Yechury said India has strategic relations with United States and yet the issue was discussed and a resolution passed.

"Our opinion should be recorded. Please do not delay it further," he said. "Allow discussion now and let the Minister reply on Monday," he said.