Opposition creates ruckus in Rajya Sabha over Jaitley’s remarks

New Delhi, July 26 : Heated exchanges between the opposition and treasury benches in the Rajya Sabha led to the adjournment of proceedings thrice on Wednesday, after Leader of the House Arun Jaitley said adjournment notices were being “grossly misused” for publicity and the opposition demanding expunction of these remarks. Heated arguments followed soon after Deputy Chairman PJ Kurien permitted Anand Sharma (Congress) to raise his point under rule 267. Sharma said the NDA government was making efforts to slight Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru and even Indira Gandhi.As the Chair disallowed Sharma’s notice, Jaitley said in every case, “we find that these are not issues under the motion of Rule 267 and, therefore, it is a practice which is being grossly abused. Therefore, the Chair must also be guided by a principle that you can’t have Zero Hour for the benefit of TV cameras. That is what something which is happening today. … This has all been enacted”. Jaitley suggested that the remarks made by Sharma should be expunged. He also said if any member wanted to raise the issue of Samjhauta train blast case, it should be allowed. The Finance Minister said some other members had given notice in Zero Hour and the Chair must protect their rights.