New Delhi: Foul smell on Friday led to loss of half an hour in Rajya Sabha as members complained that they felt uncomfortable.
It all started as Alka Balram Kshatriya (Cong) first raised the alarm at around 3.45 pm when the House was having a heated discussion on the Telangana issue.
"There is some burning smell and I am not kidding," she said amidst much amusement of the members, particularly of the Opposition which was engaged on a verbal duel over Telangana issue with the treasury bench.
However, PJ Kurien, who was on the Chair, took up the matter in all seriousness as some of Kshatriya`s colleagues from the party also echoed concern, and adjourned the House for 15 minutes.
As soon as the House reassembled, Renuka Chowdhury (Cong) stood up and said the smell was still persisted.
Kurien adjourned the House once again for 15 minutes saying the cause of the smell should be found out.
This is the second time during the current session of Parliament when the proceedings of the Upper House had to be adjourned for reasons other than usual disruptions.
The previous incident occurred on May 11 when Congress member RC Khuntia complained of foul smell inside the House. The Rajya Sabha had witnessed two brief adjournments as a result of the incident that day.
PTI
