The relations between the Treasury Benches and the Opposition worsened on Friday following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s stinging criticism of his political rivals and the latter’s insistence that he should tender an apology for virtually calling them supporters of
‘black money’.
In a full-fledged attack on political rivals who are opposing his demonetisation move, Modi said he would have been lavished with praise had he given his critics time before withdrawing the high value currency notes.
“If these people had got 72 hours to make their preparation then they would have lavished praise that there is no one like Modi,” he said at function on Friday morning.
Modi’s comments resulted in a fresh standoff and derailment of Parliament proceedings throughout the day, leading to fears that the entire Winter Session could be
a washout.
Both the Houses of Parliament were adjourned for the day, as bedlam prevailed from the word go and agitated Opposition MPs in the Upper House stuck to their demand for Modi’s presence throughout the debate on demonetisation.
In the lok Sabha, the united Opposition which was for the last five days seeking admission of adjournment motion to debate demonetisation, was now demanding an apology from the Prime Minister.
Modi’s sharp comments against those criticising demonetisation set the ball rolling for strong political reactions in the two Houses of Parliament.
“Some people are criticising the move saying the Government did not make ample preparations. I think that is not the issue that the Government did not make ample preparations. I think the pain of such people is that the Government did not give a chance to make any preparations,” he said at a book launch, drawing strong reactions from Opposition leaders who are rallying Monday to attack the ruling dispensation.
Modi said the country is fighting a big battle against corruption and black money and the ordinary citizen is the “soldier” in this fight.
Modi pointed out that India’s name features prominently in global corruption surveys and that was not something to be proud of. He affirmed that some decisions had to be taken in the interest of the nation.
Modi said that civic bodies had benefited by the demonetisation move. “I got details about municipal corporations in some cities. Earlier they used to get between Rs 3,000 to Rs 3,500 crore as tax, but after November 8 they have collected Rs 13,000 crore as tax. This money will be used for development like construction of roads and electricity supply,” he said.
Pandemonium began soon after the Upper House met for the day, with BSP chief Mayawati raising objection to Modi’s remarks. She said the PM must either prove that the Opposition was favouring black money or apologise. Moreover, Modi was making these observations outside Parliament and was yet to make a statement about demonetization in Parliament, she said.
leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad said Modi’s remarks were an “insult” of the Opposition be it the Rajya Sabha and lok Sabha besides MlAs of Vidhan Sabhas across the country.
Justifying the Opposition’s demand for an apology, Azad said when the discussion on demonetisation resumed on Thursday he had welcomed Modi in the House and clarified that the entire Opposition was against black money. Therefore, Modi’s remarks about the Opposition were unjustified.
Reiterating the Opposition’s insistence on Modi’s presence in the House, Azad said when the Prime Minister came to the Rajya Sabha on Thursday he had asked if Modi was there for the Question Hour or to take part in the discussion. leader of the House and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said Modi would be present throughout the debate and would also give a reply, Azad said.
Deputy Chairman PJ Kurien said Jaitley had clarified that Modi will come and intervene in the debate. But Azad disagreed, saying while they were promised that Modi would be in the House till the debate was over, he did not return after lunch hour on Thursday. Azad also charged the Government with derailing the ongoing debate in the House over demonetisation.
Sharad Yadav of the JD(U) said Modi’s remarks were a serious allegation while Ram Gopal Yadav of the SP said the Prime Minister’s observations were “shameful.”
The scene in the lok Sabha was no different, with the Opposition parties vociferously protesting against the Prime Minister’s comments and demanding an apology from him.
leader of Congress in the House Mallikarjun Kharge referred to Modi’s remarks and said, “The issue now is not our demand for an adjournment motion but the remarks of the Prime Minister... He said the Opposition supports black money,” Kharge said as members from various Opposition parties rushed to the Well demanding that the PM make a statement in the lok Sabha.
The Opposition members were heard shouting “Pradhan Mantri sadan mein aao...Himmat hai toh sadan mein bolo,” (PM, come to the House. If you have the courage, speak in the House).