Congress members in the Rajya Sabha today forced the adjournment of the House till 2.30 pm on the Rafale issue.

They demanded the setting up of a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) to look into the allegations of irregularities in the Rafale aircraft deal between India and France.

Raising the issue during the Zero Hour, Leader of Opposition, Mr Ghulam Nabi Azad sought a short duration discussion on the issue.

Responding to this, Deputy Chairman Mr Harivansh said the matter could not be raised as a notice on it was not approved by the Chairman.

Anand Sharma of the Congress alleged that Prime Minister had bypassed the Cabinet Committee on Security before signing the agreement to procure fighter jets.

Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Vijay Goel objected to the opposition allegations against the Prime Minister. He described the allegations as baseless and said it is not permitted under the rules.

Following this, the House witnessed noisy scenes leading to its adjournment till 2.30 pm.