RS proceedings adjourned amid opposition protest

New Delhi: Rajya Sabha proceedings were adjourned on Friday till noon as Opposition parties continued to protest over the Pegasus spyware controversy and other issues.

As soon as the House met for the day, Deputy Chairman Harivansh Narayana Singh congratulated wrestler Ravi Kumar Dahiya for winning the silver medal at the ongoing Tokyo Olympics.

Soon after the papers and statements were laid in the Upper House, Opposition members trooped into the Well at 11.15 am with posters shouting slogans.

After the ministers laid their statements, Congress leader Anand Sharma asked why Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekawat was absent when his statement was listed in the business.

"You called the name (Gajendra Singh Shekawat) but the minister is not there. ...This is disrespect to the House," he said and asked if the minister had taken specific permission to remain



absent.

Leader of the House Piyush Goyal said, "I respect what Anand Sharma has said. We will make enquiries and I will get back to you."

Before the Zero Hour, Harivansh said nine notices have been received for suspension of business under Rule 267 on farmers' agitation and Pegasus issue.

"I want to inform members that the Chairman has already approved the notices for calling attention and short duration discussion on different subjects including the farmers' agitation," he said.

He asked the Leader of the Opposition Party, Leader of the House and Parliamentary Affairs Minister to discuss and fix a time for a debate in the House.

While the Opposition members were still in the Well shouting slogans, few members raised their issues during the Zero Hour.

As the protest continued, the Chair adjourned the House till 12 noon.