Officially, the BJP cites three arguments against convening the Rajya Sabha. The first is that it would set an unhealthy precedent. In '62, the date of convening both houses of Parliament was advanced by 11 days, from November 19 to November 8, to allow the passage of a resolution on a state of emergency. "No special session was called. It's true the Rajya Sabha has been convened twice in the absence of a Lok Sabha, in '77 and in '91, but on both occasions it was to conduct government business. The first time, to extend President's rule in Nagaland and the second time, in Haryana," says BJP Rajya Sabha chief whip Vijay Kumar Malhotra.