From correspondents in Delhi, India, 04:03 PM IST

Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar Thursday expressed anguish over the frequent disruptions of question hour.

'The question hour is facing a crisis. We are unable to conduct it properly,' Meira Kumar said when Samajwadi Party MPs advanced towards the speaker's podium during question hour demanding a statement by the government on the divestment of National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC).

The agitating MPs returned to their seat after the speaker assured them that their leader Mulayam Singh Yadav would be allowed to raise the matter during zero hour.

On Tuesday, Congress president Sonia Gandhi sought an explanation from party MPs on their absence from the Lok Sabha Monday when the question hour virtually collapsed because of missing members.

(Staff Writer, © IANS)