The Opposition and treasury benches have been involved in a war of words over former Union minister, Kumari Selja's visit to a Gujarat temple in 2013.
Congress members today forced many adjournments of the Rajya Sabha, protesting the statements of Union ministers Arun Jaitley and Piyush Goyal disputing the version of former minister Kumari Selja that she was asked about her caste in a Gujarat temple.
The Congress members trooped into the Well raising slogans, forcing adjournments, the first time for 10 minutes, then till noon and thereafter again till 2 PM, alleging that the government's statements disputing Ms Selja's remarks were "misleading".
The former minister had created a stir during the debate on commitment to the Constitution yesterday claiming that she was asked about her caste when she had visited a temple in Dwarka town of Gujarat as a Union minister during UPA rule.
As soon as the House met and took up the Zero Hour today, Leader of the House Arun Jaitley referred to the issue and said that Ms Selja had, in fact, said very "complimentary words" during her visit to the Dwarka temple in February 2013.
He said she had also written positive things about her experience at the temple and there was no complaint. He also read out Ms Selja's written comments at the temple.
To this, Ms Selja said she was not referring to the main Dwarka temple, but 'Bet Dwarka'. "Please don't try to mislead the House. That day, I had made it very clear that it was 'Bet Dwarka' and not the main Dwarka (temple). Please don't do this, Leader of the House. It doesn't behove."
She also said that she was very happy visiting the main temple where she was treated well and had "a very good 'darshan'".
Congress members were on their feet and so were some from the treasury benches, as Selja said the ministers should have "some grace".
As arguments ensued, Power Minister Piyush Goyal chipped in to say that Congress members were trying to create "manufactured problems" and "manufactured discrimination".
His comment further agitated Congress members who, led by Ms Selja, rushed to the Well.
As slogan shouting continued, Deputy Chairman PJ Kurien tried to pacify the protestors. As his pleas went unheeded, he adjourned the House for 10 minutes.
When the House reassembled, there were similar scenes and Mr Kurien again adjourned the proceedings many times till 3pm.