Wednesday, July 26 2006 14:21 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: The Rajya Sabha was abruptly adjourned Wednesday after Defence Minister Pranab Muknherjee refused to give an "instant reaction" to the concern expressed by members over Pakistan's nuclear programme.

"It is not the practice to give instant reactions on an issue like this. It can't be like instant coffee," he said when the issue was raised during zero hour.

The Washington Post had reported earlier this week that Pakistan was building a powerful reactor that could generate plutonium for 40 to 50 nuclear bombs a year.

Mukherjee's remark angered Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) members who stormed the speaker's podium demanding a proper reply.

In the midst of the ruckus, Mukherjee left the house. BJP members demanded that he be summoned to the house and the pandemonium continued.

Deputy Chairperson M. Rehman Khan then adjourned the house till 12.45 p.m. When it reassembled, the din continued and the house was adjourned till 2 p.m.