RS adjourned after condoling sitting BJP member's death

Rajya Sabha was on Monday adjourned for the day without transacting any business after condoling the death of sitting BJP member Suryakantabhai Acharya.

The House, which was to have its last sitting of the Winter Session today, will meet tomorrow, when possibly a statement will be made by the government on the Copenhagen Climate Summit.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Environment Minister Jairman Ramesh, who returned from Copenhagen after attending the summit, were present in the House.

Soon after the Upper House met for the day, Chairman Hamid Ansari announced the passing away of 80-year-old Acharya, who represented Gujarat from August 2005. In his condolence message, he said Acharya was a lawyer and tax consultant by profession who worked for weaker sections and tribals.

The House then observed silence before adjourning for the day. The business listed for the day included consideration and passage of two bills including on one to amend the salaries and allowances of ministers.