The tenth day of the Winter Session in Parliament was marred with protests against demonetisation and consequent disruptions. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was present in the House till it was adjourned, after Opposition parties staged a walk out raising Nagrota attack. The Congress asked why a tribute was not been paid in the House to the seven soldiers killed in Tuesday’s militant strike. Speaker Sumitra Mahajan said that a security combing operation was still under way at the attack site, and tributes would be paid once the operation is concluded.
The Opposition also objected to the passing of amendments to taxation laws on Tuesday. They have sought an appointment with the President to lodge their protest against the method adopted by the government to clear the amendments. The amendment Bill was passed by the Lok Sabha – where the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party has the majority – on the basis of voice vote, while Opposition leaders demanded a discussion on it. The Bill has been passed as a money bill which means that the Rajya Sabha cannot change it.
The ruling party has accused the Congress of disrupting house proceedings. Senior leader Venkaiah Naidu questioned the party’s motive for leaving Parliament proceedings, pointing out that they walked out of the House even though Modi was present when they had disrupted proceedings in the past citing the PM’s absence. “The Congress doesn’t want any discussion on demonetisation issue and neither do they want the parliamentary house to function smoothly” Naidu said.
Rajya Sabha was adjourned for the day after arguments over the demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes.
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