AMN /
As Deadlock continued in Parliament over demonetisation issue, both the Houses were adjourned for the day once again today. When the Rajya Sabha reassembled this afternoon, the Opposition demanded the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the continuation of the demonetisation debate that was initiated on the first day of the Winter Session.
However, Leader of the House Arun Jaitley said, as the Council of Ministers has collective responsibility, there is no rule or precedence that mandate Prime Minister to be present and listen to every member. He said the Opposition demand is unreasonable, though he assured that Prime Minister and he himself will intervene in the discussions. He said besides, the members will have the opportunity to seek clarifications after the reply.
When the Lok Sabha reassembled at 2 pm, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar said the discussion on demonetisation which had begun on Monday should resume.
Jithendra Reddy of the TRS rose to speak and was obstructed by the Opposition. In the melee, the presiding officer Prahlad Joshi adjourned the House for the day.