Addressing the Rajya Sabha during the debate on FDI in retail, Sharma said that N.K. Singh, who was principal secretary to former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee from August 2001-June 2004 under the NDA government, had "chaired a committee on FDI in multi-brand retail".
The opposition members were immediately on their feet protesting. BJP's M. Venkaiah Naidu and Arun Jaitley protested while N.K. Singh got up to make an interjection. However, the chair disallowed them from interrupting Sharma's speech.
After attempts to quieten the opposition benches failed, Deputy Chairman P.J. Kurien adjourned the house till 2.30 p.m.
