Rajya Sabha adjourns for the day over issue of fighting in Gaza strip

NEW DELHI: The Rajya Sabha on Wednesday adjourned for the day over the issue of fighting in Gaza strip with the government refusing to the opposition's demand to have any discussion on it.
The uproar over the issue led to three brief adjournments during the day before the House finally adjourned till Thursday.
Members wanted a discussion on the "unprecedented spurt in violence in Gaza and West Bank area of Palestine causing death of scores of civilians".
The government, on its part, however insisted that any discussion on the issue could impact diplomatic ties with both Israel and Palestine. The argument, however, failed to pacify the opposition.
Almost entire opposition including members from Congress, SP, NCP, TMC and left parties demanded discussion over the incident. The members were on their feet, asking the deputy chairman P J Kurien to take up the discussion first before moving on to other business of the Upper House.
They insisted that the discussion should be allowed by the Chair as it was listed in the Wednesday's list of business. The matter was listed for discussion and it was supposed to be initiated by the Congress member and leader of opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad.
Congress and SP members even entered the well of the House insisting for discussion during post-lunch session, forcing the deputy chairman to adjourn it for the day.
Refusing to agree to a discussion, external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj earlier said, "We have diplomatic ties with both nations. Any discourteous reference to any friendly country can impact our relations with them."
She said she came to know about the list of business this morning and has come to the House out of respect for the Chairman who had listed it in the business but no consultation was done with her.
"I have written a letter to the Chairman as it was neither admissible under rules nor desirable. Let us wait for the decision of the Chairman. I will abide by that," she said.
She said that in the letter she has mentioned no discussion should take place and the matter is pending so the House should wait for the directions from him.
This led to angry protests by the opposition members, who said the list of business was the property of the House and would tantamount to disrespect of the House.