New Delhi: As Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday attended the Rajya Sabha, the Opposition began the debate on demonetisation, with veteran Congress leader Manmohan Singh slamming the government over the implementation of the move to scrap Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes.
“Monumental mismanagement has been undertaken in implementation of demonetisation,” Singh said. He added that it was his personal opinion that demonetisation will decline the GDP of India by at least 2 per cent if not more.
The former prime minister said that it was also important to take note of the grievances of the people’s suffering. “60-65 people have lost their lives, what has been done can weaken our people’s confidence in currency and banking system,” Singh said.
Hitting out at Modi, Singh said the PM asked nation to wait for 50 days “but for the poor section even 50 days can be detrimental”.
“I want to ask PM that can he name any country where people have deposited their money but are not able to withdraw it. PM must come with some constructive proposal how we can implement the scheme,” the former prime minister said in the Rajya Sabha.
The opposition parties had earlier created a ruckus in the Rajya Sabha, demanding that Modi attend the debate on the issue of demonetisation, leading to the adjournment of the House till 12 pm.
Finance Minister Arun Jaitley slammed the Congress, TMC and other parties for stalling the proceedings of the Rajya Sabha.
“If it is on demonetisation issue, let opposition resume the debate. If there is no debate, nobody from the opposition is going to be allowed to speak,” Jaitley said in the Rajya Sabha.
As the Opposition continued their protest over note ban issue, Speaker P.J. Kurien clarified that the debate on demonetisation would take place later in the afternoon, indicating that Modi would be present then.
Meanwhile, Lok Sabha was adjourned for the day following uproar over the demonetisation issue.
Earlier, reports suggested that the Prime Minister will attend the Winter Session of Rajya Sabha on Thursday. The Opposition has been stalling the proceedings of Winter Session of Parliament, demanding Modi to speak of the government’s move to scrap Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes.
Top BJP leaders held a meeting at Rajnath Singh’s chamber in Parliament on Thursday as the government attempted to find a truce with a united opposition just before the session began. Another round of meeting was held at Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s chamber.
