New Delhi, 29 July (H.S.): The Rajya Sabha witnessed repeated disruptions during the Monsoon Session on Wednesday over the police action against protesting students at Jantar Mantar. The Opposition demanded a discussion on the issue and sought accountability from the government, forcing the House to be adjourned first until 12 noon and later until 2 p.m. as the uproar continued soon after Question Hour began.

Amid the commotion, Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge said that neither the people nor democracy were safe in the country. He demanded that the government fix accountability for the alleged police brutality against protesters during the demonstration at Jantar Mantar.

Responding to Kharge's remarks, Union Health Minister J. P. Nadda said that the police had acted against student activists participating in the protest in accordance with the prevailing circumstances. He said, I, too, was arrested during my student days. I was jailed during the Emergency. Every student activist who participates in such movements knows the kind of situations that can arise during these protests.

During the proceedings, the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha attempted to continue the business of the House despite the persistent disruptions. However, Opposition members continued raising slogans and insisted on a discussion regarding the alleged police action during the Jantar Mantar protest.

After a few members spoke in the House, the continued uproar compelled the Chair to adjourn the proceedings first until 12 noon and, following further disruptions when the House reconvened, until 2 p.m.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar