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RS adjourned twice after uproar over sending team to Bengal

November 30, 2009 13:33 IST

Rajya Sabha on Monday witnessed two adjournments during the pre-lunch sitting following uproar over Centre sending a team of officials to West Bengal to assess the situation in the state after a spate of violence.

Left parties, supported by the Samajwadi Party and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, termed the move as "unconstitutional" and demanded immediate withdrawal of the Central team.

Soon after nominated member Ashok Ganguly took oath, Sitaram Yechury (Communist Party of India-Marxist) said he has given a notice for suspension of Question Hour as the move to send the Central team was in "violation of the Constitution" and federal structure. "This will not be tolerated," he said.

Supporting him, Leader of the Opposition Arun Jaitley said the United Progressive Alliance was sending the team perhaps under pressure from its allies -- a reference to the Trinamool Congress.

The home minister, he said, should come and explain the position.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Prithviraj Chavan tried to pacify the agitated members saying he would convey the sentiments of the members to the home minister.

Left party members were not satisfied and rushed into the well of the House, forcing Chairman Hamid Ansari to adjourn the House for 15 minutes.

When the House resembled, Left members rushed to the well, ignoring pleas by Ansari to go back to their seats and let Question Hour be taken up.

As the din continued, Ansari adjourned the House till 1200 noon.
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