'Rule 267 being weaponised for disruption...' RS Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar slams Opposition | WATCH

Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar has criticized the repeated disruptions in the House, stating that Rule 267 notices were being "weaponized" as a tool for disruption. The proceedings were adjourned for the day amid protests by opposition members over corruption allegations against the Adani Group, violence in Sambhal and Manipur, and other issues.

For the fourth consecutive sitting of the Winter Session, the Rajya Sabha failed to conduct any scheduled business. Opposition protests began shortly after Dhankhar announced he had accepted 17 notices for the suspension of business to discuss various issues.

The accepted notices included discussions on alleged corruption involving the Adani Group, violence in Uttar Pradesh's Sambhal, crimes in Delhi, and atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh, including the arrest of Hindu spiritual leader Chinmoy Krishna Das.

The chairman highlighted that Rule 267, which allows for the suspension of scheduled business to discuss urgent matters, was being misused. Amid disruptions, Dhankhar stated: "These issues have been raised repeatedly during the week with the result that we have already lost 3 working days. The days that should have been committed by us for public cause. There should have been vindication of our oath that we perform our duties as expected. The loss of time, the loss of opportunity, the loss of opportunity by not having question hour has given enormous setback to the people at large. Now I find Hon'ble Members and I call upon you for deep reflection, Rule 267 is being weaponised as a mechanism of disruption and disruption from our normal working. There are very senior members. This cannot be appreciated."

His remarks led to further protests, with opposition members raising slogans against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Adani Group.

Opposition Members Behind the Notices

* Several opposition MPs had filed notices under Rule 267:

* Congress MPs Pramod Tiwari, Ranjeet Ranjan, and Vivek Tankha sought discussions on corruption allegations against the Adani Group.

* CPI-M MPs John Brittas and AA Rahim raised the issue of violence in Sambhal.

* AAP MP Sanjay Singh filed a notice on rising crime in Delhi, while Raghav Chadha sought a discussion on alleged atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh and the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das.

* Other members called for a debate on the law and order situation in Manipur.

Despite Dhankhar’s attempts to restore order, the protests continued, forcing the adjournment of the session within minutes. 

Agencies