Former Bodoland People's Front (BPF) MP Biswajit Diamary took oath as a BJP Member after resigning from the party. He took the pledge in Bodo language.
Newly elected BJP Members from Gujarat Rambhai Harjibhai Mokariya and Dineshchandra Anavadiya also took the oath. These two seats became vacant after the death of Congress leader Ahmed Patel and BJP MP Abhay Bharadwaj.
Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu asked the Members not to wear party symbols inside the house.
Mr Naidu also read out obituaries for former Members-- Vidya Sagar Nishad, M Rama Jois and Satish Sharma-- and elaborated their contributions in the society, country and this House too. The House stood and observed silence in respect of these departed souls.
The Chairman also asked the Secretary General to communicate the sentiments of the House to the bereaved families.
The Opposition parties stood up on their seats demanding a discussion on rising fuel prices which the Chairman declined saying that he will look into it .The Congress has moved an adjournment motion on the issue.(UNI)