A belligerent Opposition on Monday continued protests in the Well of Lok Sabha, demanding an adjournment motion and the Prime Minister’s presence in the House to discuss the impact of demonetisation, leading to two adjournments before noon.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh, who was in the House, tried to calm the Opposition by saying that the government was ready to discuss the implementation issues related to the “historic” and “courageous” decision by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

“The Prime Minister is ready to speak in the House once the Speaker Sumitra Mahajan decides under which rule the discussion is conducted,” Singh said.

The Opposition, barring the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), has been insisting on an adjournment motion under Rule 56 that entails voting. The BJD has suggested Rule 184 that entails voting but has no provision for adjournment of business, while the Government is said to be keen on Rule 193, which is a short duration discussion with no voting.

Shiv Sena upset

“Of the Rs 21,000 crore assured by the Prime Minister, nothing has yet come from Nabard for cooperatives,” Shi Sena MP Anandrao Adsul said after the House met after an adjournment.

Adsul said his party backs the demonetisation move, adding that the situation in urban areas has improved.

“But rural areas are facing a crisis, as most of them especially in Maharashtra, Gujarat and Karnataka are connected with the cooperatives. The Prime Minister had assured us in a meeting that a way will be found,” he said, adding that the assured money should be released before a discussion is held in the House.

Kharge cites Minister’s woes

Earlier, Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge, while speaking on the problems being faced by farmers, workers and the poor said demonetisation had unleashed “economic chaos” in the country.

“We support the fight against black money but not the way it has been done, " said Kharge, citing the incident of a Union Cabinet Minister ”who had to plead to a private hospital to get back his brother’s body”, as the hospital insisted on not accepting banned notes as these were “kagaz ke tukde” (pieces of paper), as announced by the Prime Minister.

He said if this is a Minister’s plight, “what will happen to the common people.”

Trinamool Congress, CPI(M), Janata Dal (United), AIADMK, BJD members also spoke urging the Speaker to hold a discussion on such a pressing issue and ensure smooth running of the House.

“It is the duty of the government to find a way out, as many important Bill are pending,” said BJD’s Bhartuhari Mahtab.

Earlier, the House expressed its condolences over the death of Cuban revolutionary leader Fidel Castro, after which Question Hour was held for 20 minutes amid the din.

Related Topics
comment COMMENT NOW