Telecom Minister A Raja was in the eye of a fresh storm in Parliament with Opposition demanding his removal over his alleged involvement in the reported scam in allocation of 2G spectrum, forcing two adjournments of both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
The Lok Sabha also saw the SP, RJD, JD-U and BSP members storming the well demanding caste-based census. RJD chief Lalu Prasad and SP supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav led their slogan- shouting party members to the well.
As soon as both the Houses met for the day, AIADMK and BJP members flashed newspaper reports alleging Raja's involvement in the scam in allocation of 2G spectrum and demanded his resignation, leading to their adjournment till 1200 hrs.
The AIADMK members were waving copies of a newspaper in which there have been reports of "murky" dealings in the allocation of 2G spectrum to telecom operators. Raja was not present in either House.
When the Lok Sabha re-assembled, members of BJP and AIADMK were again on their feet, vociferously raising demands for Raja's ouster. Amid the din, Speaker Meira Kumar ordered tabling of the papers listed for the day.
HRD Minister Kapil Sibal introduced four bills including one on allowing entry of foreign educational institutions in the country. Left parties opposed the bill and joined the uproar already being witnessed in the House.
CPI-M leader Basudeb Acharia alleged that the proposed law would distort the education system in the country. Kumar made repeated appeals for calm in the House, but her pleas went unheeded.
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As the din continued, the Speaker adjourned the House after introduction of four bills of the HRD ministry and laying of some statements and papers. The Rajya Sabha saw two adjournments during the Question Hour on the issue of spectrum allocation.
Raising the issue as soon as the House met for the day, AIADMK member V Maitreyan demanded that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh make a statement on the issue. Everyday new facts are emerging in news reports (on the role of Raja in the telecom scam)," he said.
Maitreyan was supported by BJP members who rose in their seats.