Congress attacks govt over demonetisation, condemns PM's silence

Congress leader Anand Sharma asked the government to introspect on how demonetisation is hampering the economy

Launching a scathing attack on the Centre over demonetisation, Congress leader Anand Sharma on Wednesday said that the government should introspect on how this drastic decision is hampering the economy.

Sharma's statement came a few hours after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Parliamentary Party passed a resolution praising citizens for their support of the government's demonetisation move. The resolution was moved by Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and seconded by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley.

"It is our right to oppose and government should introspect itself for affecting the economy of the country for no reason," Sharma said.

Demanding an apology from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Sharma further said that the former had not given a clarification over his demonetisation decision in Parliament, which in itself is condemnable.

Meanwhile, BJP leader Mahesh Sharma has backed the Centre's decision to impose a ban on Rs 500 and Rs 1000 note and said the majority of the population is with the government's demonetisation drive.

"Despite facing problems, people are supporting the government's decision," he added.

Since the beginning of Winter Session of Parliament, Opposition has been demanding a debate on demonetisation along with Prime Minister Modi's participation in it. Both Houses have been adjourned many times, including on Wednesday where the Lok Sabha was adjourned till 12 pm and Rajya Sabha till 2 pm.