NEW DELHI: The Rajya Sabha was adjourned twice on Friday as members simultaneously insisted on raising various issues. The House also saw most women members demanding early introduction of the Women's Reservation Bill.

Members were on their feet as soon as question hour ended. The first to demand the Chair's attention was Rashid Alvi (Congress), who claimed that he had been promised that he would be allowed to speak. Deputy Chairperson K. Rehman Khan, however, said there was no zero hour on Friday and assured him that his demand would be considered on Monday.

Mr. Khan adjourned the House for 15 minutes as Mr. Alvi insisted on his demand.

When it reassembled, he again wanted to speak, triggering a demand from Bharatiya Janata Party and Trinamool Congress members that they be heard on an important issue in West Bengal.

This drew protests from the Communist Party of India (Marxist). Mr. Khan then announced a longer adjournment till after lunch.

Earlier, Sushma Swaraj (BJP) called for a statement on the women's bill. Najma Heptullah (BJP) wanted to know from the Government whether it would be introduced this session or not. Brinda Karat (CPI-M), who was not in the House, came back to support Ms. Heptullah. Soon other women members including Maya Singh (BJP), Alka Balram and Prema Cariappa (both Congress) also called for a statement from the Government, while Jaya Bachchan (Samajwadi Party) refraining from demanding the tabling of the bill.

Ramdeo Bhandari (Rashtriya Janata Dal) said his party supported reservation for women but there should be sub-quotas for socially disadvantaged groups.

Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs SureshPachauri said the Government and its allies were in favour of early tabling of the Bill and the legislation was passing through a "process." He hoped that "good consequences" would soon follow.

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