Opposition disrupts Rajya Sabha over Sonbhadra hacking

Hacking of 10 tribals to death by a powerful upper caste village head in Sonbhadra district of Uttar Pradesh and Supreme Court ruling on Karnataka issue reverberated in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday forcing adjournment.

Opposition Congress and Samajwadi Party members created uproar over the Supreme Court ruling on the Karnataka issue and the law and order situation in Uttar Pradesh when Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu refused to accede to their demands.

Congress leader Anand Sharma wanted to raise a point of order on the Supreme Court judgement on the Karnataka issue while a notice was given by SP leader Ramgopal Yadav under Rule 267 seeking suspension of business to take up the issue of deteriorating law and order in UP.

As soon External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar finished making a statement on the ICJ verdict in Kulbhushan Jadhav case, Congress and SP members were up on their feet raising their respective issues. Sharma said the Supreme Court order of Wednesday that the 15 rebel Members of Legislative Assembly (MLA) of the Congress-Janata Dal (Secular) government in Karnataka cannot be forced to take part in Assembly proceedings, was in "clear violation of the Constitution" as it tramples upon the rights of the legislature.

Sharma cited the 10th Schedule of the Constitution that states that a MLA or MP would incur a disqualification if he votes/abstains from voting against the party directions. He wanted a ruling from the Chair on the issue.
Naidu said the matter was not before the House but he would give a ruling later.

When Naidu did not allow Sharma to raise the issue any further, Congress members were up on their feet protesting vociferously.

SP leader Ram Gopal Yadav raised the issue of killing of 10 tribals in Sonbhadra district of Uttar Pradesh by an upper caste village pradhan who came with 300 goons on 32 tractors. He labelled UP as perpetuating "jungle raj" in the state.

Naidu said it was a state matter and ordered that nothing shall go on record. After repeated appealing to them to cool tempers and go back to seats, Naidu stopped live telecast of the proceedings of the House on television.

"This is not the way. Please go to your seats. Nothing is being telecast. Nothing will be written. Why are you wasting your energy," said Naidu finally adjourning the house.