New Delhi, April 30: The Rajya Sabha witnessed an uproar today over claims that a product being sold by Ramdev's establishments allegedly promised a male child to women who consumed it.

Janata Dal United member K.C. Tyagi waved a packet of Divya Putrajeevak Beej, marketed by the yoga televangelist's Ramdev's Divya Pharmacy, during zero hour and asked if the "government of India under the dynamic leadership of Narendra Modi approved of it". Tyagi reminded the House about Modi's slogan "Beti bachao, Beti padhao (Save girl child, educate girl child)".

Other Opposition MPs joined in, demanding a ban.

Deputy chairman P.J. Kurien pointed out that sex selection, whether through medicines or pre-natal tests, was illegal and urged the government to respond.

Health minister J.P. Nadda promised an inquiry. "We will look into the issue and take proper action."#

This failed to satisfy the Opposition. Samajwadi Party MP Jaya Bachchan asked: "Why can't an assurance be given to the House that the government will remove the product from the market?"

Trinamul MP Sukhendu Sekhar Roy suggested suspension of sales till the inquiry is over, an advice deputy chairman Kurien urged the government to consider. But the government stuck to its "action after inquiry" position.

Ramdev's Patanjali Yogpeeth (Trust), which runs the Divya Pharmacy, denied the allegation and said the product was meant to cure "infertility", not guarantee a male child.