Tuesday, August 22 2006 15:22 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: The Rajya Sabha was adjourned for half an hour Tuesday as irate MPs across the spectrum protested what they termed an anti-Muslim remark by Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) MP Manohar Joshi.

Speaking during question hour on the government's alleged flip-flop on the national song 'Vande Mataram' on its centenary Sep 7, Joshi said this was "because of its policy of Muslim appeasement".

Members from the Samajwadi Party, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and the Left were immediately on their feet, protesting the remark.

Congress MPs also protested, demanding that Joshi's remark be withdrawn. Deputy Chairman K. Rahman Khan's pleas that he would examine the records did not satisfy the agitated MPs who continued to protest, forcing him to adjourn the house at 12.30 p.m.