The Lok Sabha on Friday was adjourned till Monday after its proceedings were disrupted by Opposition parties seeking a statement from Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the Centre’s decision to demonetise high-value currency notes. The Rajya Sabha was also adjourned till 2.30 pm on Friday afternoon following the disruption, ANI reported.
The proceedings of the Upper House were also disrupted after Bharatiya Janata Party leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi sought an apology from Leader of the Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad for his remarks on Thursday referencing the Uri attacks to criticise the Centre’s demonetisation move, The Hindu reported.
The government further said that it was ready for a debate on the issue. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar asked Opposition parties to not “run away” from a discussion. Separately, Union Urban Development Minister Venkaiah Naidu accused the Congress of attempting to divert parliamentary proceedings from the issue and not taking part in a debate. This came even as Shiv Sena MP and Union Heavy Industries Minister Anant Geete said there was “anger among people” because of the decision.
Separately, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee – who has called on the government to withdraw its “draconian decision” – said the Centre was simply making “whimsical announcements” and not taking any action on the matter.
The Centre’s surprise decision to demonetise high-value currency has met with massive criticism from Opposition parties. The Congress has accused the government of introducing “financial anarchy” in the country because of the sudden shortage of cash. However, the Reserve Bank of India has said there is enough cash in the country.
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