Govt. forms sub-committee of CMs to tackle demonetization

In the wake of the protests by the opposition parties, the Central Government has decided to form a sub-committee of Chief Ministers to deal with the demonetisation issue.

This come as a united opposition is leaving no stone unturned in taking potshots at the government post the decision.

Demanding that this decision should be rolled back for not being implemented properly, the opposition parties have also alleged that this exposed the 'anti-poor' stand of Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government as the general public is the worst hit.

So far, only two Chief Ministers - Bihar's Nitish Kumar and Odisha's Naveen Patnaik - have voiced their support for the Centre.

Nitish has said he supported the currency ban as he is "convinced" that it would help in the fight against black money while Patnaik has praised the move as a bold step.

The ruling BJP at the Centre is also facing the wrath of its alliance partners as the Shiv Sena has alleged that the implementation of demonetisation has not been done in an appropriate manner and said it is not only 'one party's monopoly' to end corruption.

Talking to ANI, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut wondered as to when would the long queues outside banks and ATMs in cities and rural areas of the country end.

"We also supported the Centre's demonetisation move but the middle class has been suffering due to this in Maharashtra and we are just trying to bring that in front of the government. I don't think there is anything wrong in that. The implementation is not done in the right way. Everyone is against corruption. It's not only one party's monopoly to end corruption; everyone is patriotic and wants good for the country," he added.

Moreover, the ongoing disruptions in Parliament have also posed an obstacle for the government, which is looking forward to the passage of pending bills in the Winter Session.

Meanwhile, the Lok Sabha has been adjourned for the day after witnessing repeated adjournments since morning as opposition members continued their demand for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's presence during discussion on the demonetisation issue.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh today told the Lok Sabha that the government's intention about the decision on demonetisation is unquestionable.

Describing the decision as "historic, bold and pro-poor", Singh said the decision has been considered in the interest of the nation.

"As far as the discussion on the issue is concerned, the government is ready for a debate," he added while assuring the opposition that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be present in the House and will also speak when the discussion on the issue will begin.

Despite the Home Minister's assertion, the opposition continued with their slogans.

Uproar continued in the Rajya Sabha as well as the opposition Congress members continued to troop into the well of the House raising slogans against the government's decision.

Stating that no steps were taken to address the problems of the people following demonetisation, the opposition members have been demanding the Prime Minister to put forth his stand on the issue in Rajya Sabha.