Rahul dares PM to join debate on demonetisation

Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi on Friday dared Prime Minister Narendra Modi to join the debate on demonetisation in Parliament instead of speaking on the issue in public rallies.

Hitting back at the prime minister, who had described those who criticised demonetisation as black money hoarders, Rahul claimed that the details of the impending initiative were leaked out to a select few, including BJP leaders.

“Modi was laughing at first, then he shed tears on three or four occasions. Let him (Modi) come to the House....then we shall see what happens,” he told reporters outside Parliament.
Speaking at a book release function on Friday, Modi had slammed the critics of demonetisation saying that they were doing so only because the government did not give them prior warning.

“If these people had got 72 hours to make their preparation, then they would have lavished praise that ‘there is no one like Modi’,” the prime minister said in comments that raised the hackles of the Opposition. Taking the prime minister head-on, Rahul said Modi had laughed at the misery of people during his visit to Japan earlier this month and had become emotional while addressing political rallies on the issue.

“Let us see what emotions appear on his face when he comes to the Lok Sabha,” he said.

The Congress leader also claimed that the Opposition leaders have been stopped from speaking in Parliament. “What are you scared of,” he asked. “The moment he (Modi) comes to the Lok Sabha, doodh ka doodh, paani ka paani ho jayega (everything will be clear),” Rahul said.

Modi has made three appearances in Parliament – two in the Lok Sabha on November 16 and November 23, and one in the Rajya Sabha on November 24. Congress leader Shantaram Naik and CPM General Secretary Sitaram Yechury have submitted notices to move breach of privilege motion against the prime minister for not apprising Parliament about demonetisation but speaking about it at public rallies.

Taking a dig at Modi for addressing a rock concert last week, Rahul said the prime minister can address “pop concerts” but does not attend discussion on demonetisation in the House.