Rajya Sabha disrupted over Kasganj clashes, Delhi sealing

Proceedings in the Rajya Sabha were disrupted on Friday as opposition parties, including Samajwadi Party and Aam Aadmi Party, raised the issue of communal clashes in Uttar Pradesh's Kasganj and the sealing drive in the national capital.

As the House met for the day, Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman P.J. Kurien finished the important legislative business after making obituary reference for those killed in a road accident in Murshidabad district of West Bengal. He then, allowed the members to raise their issues during Zero Hour.

Raising the issue of communal clashes at Kasganj, SP members Ramgopal Yadav and Naresh Agarwal accused the state government of "suppressing the voices of minorities" and sought a reply from the government.

"Minorities are being exploited at Kasganj. With the help of administration their houses are being vandalised and their voices are being suppressed. They are being arrested," Yadav said.

As Yadav was raising the issue other SP members trooped near the Chairman's podium and started shouting slogans.

The newly-appointed members of AAP also trooped near the podium under Sanjay Singh's leadership and were heard shouting slogans over the issue of sealing drive in Delhi.

Congress member K.V.P. Ramachandra Rao also trooped near the treasury benches holding a placard with the slogan 'Help Andhra Pradesh'.

Kurien repeatedly asked Rao to return to his seat and raise the issue through proper notice, but he neither went back nor did he utter a word.

"look at this...what he is doing...Can somebody do like this...He has become mad...I will take action against him...Why should not action be taken against him...," Kurien said urging the leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad to ask his party member to go back to his seat.

Rao continued with his protest amid sloganeering by the SP and AAP members.

Blaming the Uttar Pradesh government for the Kasganj violence, Naresh Agarwal said: "Whatever is happening at Kasganj is under the patronage of the state government and one-sided action is being taken by the administration. The government needs to respond to it. We want an answer."

Kurien, who asked the agitating SP members to give proper notice for raising the issue, made it clear that he could not force the government to respond.

"It's upto the government to reply. I will be forced to adjourn the House. I don't have other option," he said and adjourned the House till 12 noon amid the ruckus.

When the House again met, the AAP members led by Sanjay Singh trooped near Chairman's podium and started sloganeering.

He accused the union government of ruining the lives of over seven lakh traders.

Kurien urged the AAP members to give proper notice on Monday over the issue. But they continued with with their protest.

"Delhi is second home for every MP. So, it is our duty to help them. The Union government can't be a mere spectator. They should give answer," Azad said.

The AAP went back to their seats and the Question Hour continued after Azad spoke on the issue and urged the Union government to "help the people of Delhi".

Kurien adjourned the House till 2.30 p.m. after the Question Hour ended.