UPA breaks with tradition, forces RS adjournment over Modi remark

NEW DELHI - Breaking with tradition, ruling UPA members trooped into the well of the Rajya Sabha on Friday and forced its adjournment over reported remarks made by Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi about Dalits.

Senior Congress member Praveen Rashtrapal wanted to raise the issue during Zero Hour, but was denied permission by Deputy Chairman K Rahman Khan.

Khan said Rajya Sabha Chairman Mohammad Hamid Ansari had not admitted the notice given by the member, and hence it could not be taken up.

Joined by Congress members J D Seelam, Alka Balram Kshatriya, Ishwar Singh, M A Khan and others, an agitated Rashtrapal stormed into the Well of the House, insisting that he be allowed to raise the matter.

Rashtrapal said Modi had “humiliated” Dalits and Dr B R Ambedkar.

Sensing the mood of the treasury benches, Khan adjourned the House for 15 minutes.

When the House resumed and Khan called P Rajeev of the CPI-M to discuss corruption charges in the Home Ministry, Rashtrapal and other members again trooped in the Well, forcing a second adjournment till 2 p.m. (ANI)