Rajya Sabha was adjourned over Congress party's protests over Rafale and Samajwadi Party's protest over incidents of sexual harrassment at a shelter home at Deoria in Uttar Pradesh, one hour ahead of its usual schedule.
Congress MP Anand Sharma had moved a motion to under Rule 267 to suspend all business to discuss the Rafale deal. Congress has been demanding joint parliamentary committee (JPC) probe in the issue.
Criticising the government for reducing oppposition's air time within the House, Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad said, “Monsoon Session usually used to last for at least 45 days but it has now reduced to mere 18 days. And in such reduced time opposition did not get to initiate a single short duration discussion or calling attention motion.”
Newly-elected Deputy Chairman Harivansh who was in the Chair did not allow debate on both Rafale or and Deoria shelter home. He adjourned the House for five minutes at 11:55 am.
Rajya Sabha Chairman M.Venkaiah Naidu chaired post adjournment. The Chairman berated the opposition saying that they need to get their priorities right. “There are many important issues that we must discuss like death of over 20 persons in Kerala floods,” Mr Naidu said.
Trinamool Congress member pointed out that the government is trying to introduce government Bills on a Friday, which is usually meant for Private Members’ business. “This is backdoor entry,” he claimed. BJP member Bhupendra Yadav pointed out rules and claimed government busness can be taken on Fridays as well.
The opposition however continued its protests forcing Mr Naidu to adjourn the House till 2:30 pm.