The Rajya Sabha witnessed repeated adjournments in the pre-lunch session today as the Opposition parties continuously insisted on the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to end the standoff with the government on the conversions issue.

The House was adjourned four times till 2 PM. As soon as the House met for the day, Anand Sharma of the Congress said the opposition will not allow the House to function unless Prime Minister is present. He was supported by several leaders including Sitaram Yechury of the CPIM, and Sharad Yadav of the JD(U). Members from both the sides resorted to heated arguments.

Countering the allegations, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi charged the opposition with creating disorder in the House since they have no other issues.

As the House re-assembled at 1236 hours after the third adjournment, Sitaram Yechuri of the CPIM sought a clarification whether Prime Minister will be present during the short duration discussion on the rising incidents of communal violence in parts of the country.

Mr Naqvi clarified that the Home Minister Raj Nath Singh is present in the House. However, Mr Yechury, justifying his demand, quoted the circulars issued by Union Cabinet, saying Prime Minister as head of the Council of Minister should be present during the debate.

As noisy scenes continued, Chairman Mohammed Hamid Ansari adjourned the House till 2 PM.