New Delhi, August 12(HS): Tempers flared in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday as Opposition members continued their protests over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar, forcing the House to be adjourned until 2:00 pm.

The ruckus erupted soon after proceedings commenced at 11:00 am, following the tabling of official papers and reports. Deputy Chairman Harivansh informed members that 21 notices under Rule 267 had been received, covering four different subjects — 11 of them linked to a matter already under judicial consideration. Citing procedural constraints and previous rulings, he declined to admit any of the notices.

DMK MP Tiruchi Siva rose on a point of order, questioning why the Chair was refusing to allow discussion on what he called a “burning national issue.” Harivansh maintained that his decision strictly adhered to House rules.

Trinamool Congress MP Derek O’Brien also voiced strong objections, questioning why a sprawling 500-plus-clause bill — the Income Tax Bill — was being pushed through as supplementary business, listing it for debate at 11:00 am. He demanded an immediate discussion on the Bihar SIR controversy but was repeatedly interrupted by the Deputy Chairman, who reiterated that a detailed ruling on the subject had already been delivered.

With tempers running high and the Opposition unmoved, the Deputy Chairman suspended the House until 2:00 pm — another sign of the deepening deadlock over alleged voter roll irregularities and the widening procedural rift between the Treasury and Opposition benches.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar