Only 21 MPs were present in Rajya Sabha out of who 3 were members of Lok Sabha.
Highlights
- Rajya Sabha was adjourned today before time because of low attendance
- One-tenth of total of 240 is the quorum for Rajya Sabha, 21 were present
- Government not running house, we are trying to: Opposition member
The Rajya Sabha in parliament was adjourned today much before time, not because of chaos but because of the lack of it. Hardly anyone was in the house.
TV visuals showed rows and rows of empty seats after the house gathered after lunch.
"There is no quorum hence the house is adjourned till 11 am on Wednesday," said Deputy Chairman PJ Kurien, looking distressed when the bell rang twice to flag thin attendance.
Quorum in Rajya Sabha requires at least one-tenth of the total members in the House to be present, which is 240. This afternoon, there were only 21, including three ministers who are members of the Lok Sabha.
Opposition leaders claim they deliberately stayed away from the House to show the government was not serious about running the Rajya Sabha. A voice from the opposition benches said, "The government is not running the house. We are trying to."
Union Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi retorted: "You are responsible for running the house and if the house is getting adjourned."
Mr Naqvi then launched into an Urdu couplet.
The house has barely functioned since the winter session began on November 16.
There have been multiple disruptions in both houses with the opposition demanding Prime Minister Narendra Modi's response to a debate on the notes ban and its impact on the people.
Parliament will sit only for three more days.