In Rajya Sabha, Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu  at noon sought to take up the Question Hour, but CPI leader D Raja beseeched him saying that as vice president he was custodian of the Constitution which was given to the country by B R Ambedkar and Anantkumar Hegde had made "very objectionable comments". He claimed even Ambedkar was opposed to the idea of India being a 'Hindu Rashtra'.

Another opposition member asserted that someone who had taken oath on the Constitution and then abused it had no right to continue being a minister.

As members belonging to several opposition parties including the Congress, DMK, TMC and others, protested, Mr Naidu said he had asked the government to explain its stand on the issue.

After union minister Vijay Goel asserted that the government did not favour the views expressed by Mr Hegde, Mr Naidu tried to resume the

Question Hour proceedings.

He then asked Leader of House Arun Jaitley to speak, but a large number of opposition members continued their protest, shouting slogans and seeking action against Hegde. Left with no option, Mr Naidu adjourned the proceedings till 2 PM.