New Delhi, Aug 20: Noisy protests by the United National Progressive Alliance over the nuclear deal today led to the adjournment of the Rajya Sabha for 15 minutes.

UNPA members stood up as soon as the House assembled for the day and demanded the issue be discussed. Chairman Hamid Ansari asked them to sit down and let the Question Hour proceed.

However, the UNPA members, including senior Samajwadi Party leaders Janeswar Misra and Mr Amar Singh, who were also supported by the BJP, were in no mood to listen. They said the matter was very grave and the Question Hour could be suspended to take it up.

Some of the TDP and AIDMK members came into the well of the House to press their demand. Mr Murli Manohar Joshi of the BJP said he supported their demands.

Asking them to go back to their places, the Chairman said he would allow them to raise any point on the issue after the Question Hour was over. However, the din continued, and finally Mr Ansari announced adjournment of the House for 15 minutes, saying the members' behaviour was not allowing the procedings to be conducted according to the Rules.

UNI