Opposition members today stalled the proceedings in the Rajya Sabha on the issue of religious conversion forcing repeated adjournments during the day. They have been insisting on Prime Minister’s presence during discussion on the issue and assurance from him that no forcible conversion will take place. They also demanded that ruling party members will refrain from making any communal remarks. Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said the government is ready for a discussion on the issue. When the House re-assembled at 3 PM after its fourth adjournment, opposition members stormed into the well pressing for their demand.

Deputy Chairman P J Kurien tried to pursue the members to go back to their seats and let the House take up legislative business scheduled for the day. The agitated members did not pay heed to Prof. Kurien’s appeal and continued to raise slogans. This forced the Chair to adjourn the House for the day. Earlier, Sharad Yadav of JD(U) and Anand Sharma of the Congress along with other opposition members unanimously demanded an assurance from the Prime Minister on the issue. Amidst noisy scenes, Leader of the House Arun Jaitley asked whether the opposition wanted a ban on religion conversions or ban on forcible conversions.