AMN
Opposition uproar over demonetisation continued to disrupt proceedings in Parliament despite the presence of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It has been the main demand of the main Opposition that the Prime Minister should be present during debate to listen to their views.
Opposition in Rajya sabha demanded PM apology for what they called former termed them as black money holder.
However, they did not allow Rajya Sabha to resume the debate though Mr Modi was present in the pre-lunch and post lunch sessions. Both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha were adjourned for the day on the issue.
In the Rajya Sabha, HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control and Employees Compensation Amendment Bills were slated for consideration and passing. The Lok Sabha was supposed to take up the Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Bill for consideration and passing.
When the Lok Sabha reassembled at noon after first adjournment, Congress leader Mallikharjun Kharge and other opposition members demanded discussion on the issue under rule which entails voting. Mr Kharge alleged that people are facing lot of inconveniences due to the scrapping of high value notes. Jai Prakash Narayan Yadav of RJD also demanded discussion on the issue under rules having provisions of voting. Sudip Bandyopadhyay of TMC and Speaker Sumitra Mahajan appealed them to start discussion without any rule on this issue. Karunakaran of CPI(M) also pressed for similar demands.
Bharturhari Mahtab of BJD said, government should come forward to find a way out so that the debate could be initiated.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar accused Congress of shying away from the debate on demonetisation issue. He appealed to the opposition parties not to derail the government’s crusade against black money. He said, the whole country is in support of government’s decision on scrapping of high value currency notes.
He also said, the government is ready for a discussion on the issue from day one of the winter session. The opposition did not pay heed to his appeal and continued their protest. Amidst the din, the Speaker adjourned the House for the day.
When the Rajya Sabha met at 2 PM after its second adjournment on demonetisation, Deputy Chairman Prof PJ Kurien tried in vain to resume the debate. Congress members trooped into the well of the House raising slogans demanding Prime Minister’s apology for his reported remarks against them.
BJP members made counter slogans expressing resentment. Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi and Urban Development minister Venkaiah Naidu charged the Opposition with double standards saying that they are not interested in the debate despite the presence of the Prime Minister in the House. Amidst the din, Prof Kurien adjourned the House for the day.