NEW DELHI: The Opposition parties including the Congress, BSP, SP and Trinamool Congress targeted the Government in the Rajya Sabha over the deployment of Army at toll plazas in West Bengal.
The Opposition cried foul over the move but the Government, which termed it as a "routine exercise", slammed the Opposition parties for trying to politicize Army, saying it reflected "political frustration". The issue was raised during Zero Hour in the morning session.
As soon as the topic got over during the Zero Hour and Chairman of the Upper House Hamid Ansari called for the first question in the Question Hour, members of Congress, Trinamool, SP and BSP created a ruckus, shouting slogans demanding Modi's presence and an apology from him.
Ansari told the protesting members to maintain order in the House and urged them not to "trample upon the rights of members asking starred questions."
Despite Ansari’s appeal, members intensified shouting slogans --"Pradhan Mantri Maafi Maango (PM should apologize), Rona Dhona Bandh Karo, Pradhan Mantri House mein aao (Stop crying, Prime Minister come to House).
Even the members from the Treasury benches were on their feet to counter the Opposition and shouted "Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan" slogans.
Observing that sloganeering in the House was “unfair", Ansari said "Why aren't you doing slogan shouting in the streets. This is not the place to shout."
Ansari’s pleas to maintain order went unheeded and the House was adjourned till 2.30 PM.
As soon as the House reconvened at 2.30 PM, the Opposition members again trooped into Well of the House and created ruckus by shouting slogans such as "Modi teri taanasahi nahin chalegi"(Modi, your dictatorship will not be allowed)".
Countering the Opposition, BJP members also shouting slogans but nothing could be heard in the din.
Amid the continuing ruckus, Deputy Chairman P J Kurien adjourned the House for the day.