The Opposition today forced the adjournment of the Rajya Sabha till tomorrow over a derogatory remark by Food Processing Industries Minister of State Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti against them at an election rally in Delhi yesterday. The House witnessed several adjournments in the pre-lunch session before adjourning.

The issue was raised by Congress members as soon as the House met this morning. They were supported by members from SP, BSP, TMC and Left Parties. The Opposition demanded the Minister’s sacking from the Cabinet. Later, she apologised for her remarks. But not satisfied with her apology, the opposition continued demanding her resignation saying her action was a cognisable offence.

The agitating members repeatedly trooped into the well of the House in protest. The situation was no different when the House re-assembled at 2 PM with the opposition insisting on the Minister’s resignation. Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi referred to the procedure of the House, which says the matter should be treated as closed once a member has apologised. But this did not satisfy the opposition. They trooped into the well once again forcing the Chair to adjourn the House for the day. The Lok Sabha also witnessed uproarious scenes over the issue initially. But it functioned normally through the day.