Opposition protests Central team's visit to Bengal; Rajya Sabha adjourned - India News and Travel Times Provides India-centric and other News and Features

The Rajya Sabha was adjourned twice on Monday following protests over the Centre's decision to send an official team to West Bengal to asses the situation arising out of a series of violent incidents over the last few months. Left parties, supported by the Samajwadi Party and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazagam (AIADMK), termed the Centre's decision unconstitutional. As soon Chairman Hamid Ansari announced the Question Hour, Communist Party of India (Marxist) member Sitaram Yechury said he had given a notice for the suspension of proceedings and to discuss the Centre's decision. Yechury said the move was in violation of constitutional norms and the federal structure. He also said his party would not be tolerate such moves. Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Arun Jaitley supported Yechury. He said the UPA was sending the team perhaps under pressure from its allies. Jaitley said Home Minister P Chidambaram should come to the Hose and explain the government's position. Union Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs, Minister Prithviraj Chavan tried to pacify agitated members, saying he would convey the sentiments of the members to Chidambaram. Left party members, however, rushed into the Well of the House, forcing Ansari to adjourn proceedings.