Andalib AKhter/ NEW DELHI
Both houses of parliament witnessing repeated adjournments since morning as opposition members continued their demand for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s presence in both the Houses during discussion on the issue of demonetisation of high-value currency.
In Rajaya Sabha,Leader of the Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad and in Lok Sabha Congress leader Malikarjun Kharge criticised the government saying that no steps were taken to address the problems of the people following demonetisation.
In the Lok Sabha, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh has said, the government’s intention about the decision on demonetization is unquestionable. Mr Singh described the decision as historic, bold and pro-poor. He said, the decision has been considered in the interest of the nation.
The Home Minister also said, as far as the discussion on the issue is concerned, the government is ready for a debate. He assured the opposition that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be present in the House and will also speak when the discussion on the issue will begin. He also said, Speaker Sumitra Mahajan has to decide under what rule the discussion should take place on the issue.
Despite Mr Singh’s assertion, the opposition continued with their slogans. As noisy scenes continued, Speaker Sumitra Mahajan adjourned the House till 2 PM. When the House reassembled at 2 P.M., the opposition raised the same issue and shouted slogan. Amidst the din, the Speaker Sumitra Mahajan adjourned the House for the day.
The government today moved amendment in taxation Law in the Lok Sabha. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley moved the IT Amendment Bill in the House.
Uproar continued in the Rajya Sabha as well. When the House re-assembled after its first adjournment, Opposition Congress members continued to troop into the well of the House raising slogans against the government’s decision. Sitaram Yechury of the CPIM said he was ready participate in the discussion on Demonetisation if the Prime Minister is present in the House.
Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi pleaded with the Chair to direct the opposition members to resume discussion. Deputy Chairman Prof. P J Kurien told the agitating members that the best way to reflect the problems of the people is to resume the discussion.
Earlier, Leader of the Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad criticised the government saying that no steps were taken to address the problems of the people following demonetisation.
Information and Broadcasting Minister M Venkiah Naidu took strong exception to the remarks by opposition members and urged the Chair to expunge them.