New Delhi: The government on Wednesday dismissed demands by a united Opposition that Prime Minister Narendra Modi be present in the Rajya Sabha and reply to the debate on communal incidents across the country.

The heated exchanges between the treasury and Opposition benches, that stalled proceedings in the Upper House for the third consecutive day, also saw the suspension of Congress member V. Hanumantha Rao triggering further protests by Opposition members who asked Rajya Sabha Chairman Hamid Ansari to reconsider the “harsh” decision.

A visibly upset Mr Ansari suspended Mr Rao under Rule 255 for “gross disorderly” behaviour, asking him to leave the House for the day.