Demonetisation: Opposition to launch countrywide stir Aakrosh Diwas on November 28

Deadlock continues in Parliament as govt says no to a discussion in Lok Sabha that ends in a vote

The opposition parties will launch a countrywide protest 'Aakrosh Diwas' on November 28 over the BJP-led NDA regime's demonetisation move.

This comes as the deadlock continues in Parliament with the government refusing to agree to a discussion in the Lok Sabha that ends in a vote.

The ruling dispensation has also rejected the opposition's demand that Prime Minister Narendra Modi speak in the Rajya Sabha, where the government is in a minority.

The government on Wednesday accused the opposition parties of contempt of Parliament by not allowing the debate on demonetisation and said that Prime Minister Modi has taken this radical, bold and revolutionary step of fighting against corruption and black money in the interest of the nation.

"You have not been allowing the debate to take place, you have been asking for the presence of the Prime Minister. He came as per his responsibilities. You don't allow the debate to go on. What is the explanation you give to the people of the country? Secondly, you are now saying that ten parties have come together. What is your strength? What is you mandate of the people? Where do you stand?" he asked.

Naidu said the ruling BJP at the Centre is a protector of the poor of the country.

"Keeping in view the interest of the poor and the middle-class and the lower middle-class, the Prime Minister has taken this radical, bold, revolutionary step of fighting against corruption and black money. This is a crusade against corruption and black money, the entire country is happy about it," he added.

Naidu, however, admitted that there are some problems, which are being attended and addressed.

The Parliament was today adjourned for the day following uproar over demonetisation issue. When the House reassembled at noon after first adjournment, the opposition members including Congress, TMC, Left and RJD demanded discussion on the issue under relevant rule which entails voting.

A united opposition today staged a protest in front of Mahatma Gandhi's statue in Parliament against the demonetisation of high value currency notes.

The major parties which participated in the protest are Congress, BSP, JD(U), TMC, AIADMK, NCP, Left, RJD and the Samajwadi Party. The MPs raised slogans and displayed posters against demonetisation.

Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi later told the media that Prime Minister Modi must come to Parliament and address the members over the government's decision to demonetise high value currency notes.

Asserting that economy has been affected by the step, Gandhi demanded the setting up of a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) to probe the alleged selective leakage of the decision.

He said that Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and the Chief Economic Advisor were not even consulted by Prime Minister Modi before considering the decision.