The Rajya Sabha continued to witness uproar on the Opposition’s insistence that Prime Minister Narendra Modi should participate and reply to the discussion on attack on country’s secular fabric. The Motion for discussion was moved by P Rajeev of the CPIM when the House re-assembled after lunch. Home Minister Rajnath Singh termed the opposition’s demand as unfortunate maintaining that Prime Minister was in the House and he could have intervened in the discussion had it been allowed. Satyavrata Chaturvedi of the Congress argued that it is not possible to hold discussion without Prime Minister. Deputy Chairman P J Kurien expressed regret saying that no discussion can be held on so many conditionalities. Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said the opposition cannot dictate as to who will reply to the debate. Environment and Forest Minister Prakash Javadekar alleged that the opposition has no issues and is looking for an opportunity to run away from the debate. As the noisy scenes continued, the Chair adjourned the House for 15 minutes.

The situation is no different when the House re-assembled at 1445 hrs with members from both sides engaged in arguments and counter-arguments. In the melee, the House was adjourned for the day.