However, the Opposition appeared divided on the charge levelled by Gandhi with only DMK backing Congress on the silencing of mikes. At the Business Advisory Committee meeting on Monday, Congress and DMK floor leaders walked out but the other Opposition parties attended and indicated that they do not support the view that their mikes were silenced.

Minutes after the Rajya Sabha met for the day, Leader of the House Piyush Goyal raised this issue, alleging that a senior leader had “in a shameful manner” made these charges in a foreign country. He did not name Rahul Gandhi though later some BJP members called out his name and demanded an apology.Goyal said the opposition leader has “insulted India’s defence forces, the press, judiciary, the Election Commission, and Parliament” with his remarks on the state of democracy in the country today. “Democracy was under threat in India when the Fundamental Rights were suspended and freedom of speech was banned,” he said, referring to the Emergency. “It was in danger when a bill was torn (reference to Rahul Gandhi tearing a copy of a Bill during UPA rule)… He has hurt the entire House. I think he should apologise,” he added.

Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar tried to pacify the members and reminded them of the meeting he convened on Sunday to find a way for the smooth conduct of the House. He emphasised that the House is meant for debate, dialogue, discussion and deliberations. Dhankhar defended himself on the charge that the Opposition was not allowed to speak, saying apart from not accepting notices given under Rule 267 demanding suspension of business to discuss an issue, he had given the Opposition the time allocated to them to express their views.

The Treasury benches were equally aggressive throughout the day, with members rising in their seats and pressing for an apology.Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge asserted any person who is not a member of the House cannot be asked to tender an apology. He said as chief minister of Gujarat, Narendra Modi, had said during a visit to China that there was no democracy in India.

As both sides grew aggressive, Dhankhar adjourned the House till 2 pm. However, when the House resumed work, the two sides were again at loggerheads. Kharge cited two precedents to insist that any individual who is not a member of the House cannot be summoned for an apology.

Dhankhar said the Leader of the House has not named any person. He assured the House that he will examine the claim made by Kharge and give a ruling on Tuesday. Amid slogan shouting by BJP members and Congress against Rahul Gandhi and Narendra Modi respectively, he adjourned the House for the day.

While the Opposition was keen on raising other burning issues, including the alleged misuse of the ED and CBI against political opponents, the demand for a JPC probe on the Adani-Hindenburg issue, and the situation on the China border, only Congress and DMK were of the view that the Opposition was not being allowed to speak. Congress also wants to raise the issue of the several notices submitted to the Privileges Committee against Gandhi.