Oppn wants to demolish discussion in parliament: Naqvi

Minister of State for Minority Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi on Thursday said that the opposition wants to demolish discussion in parliament and does not want to have a debate.

Naqvi told ANI, "First thing is that they should start the discussion. By not starting the discussion and putting conditions, proves that they don't want the discussion to take place and are trying to trap this government,"

He further said the Congress party and other opposition parties can say whatever they want to in parliament. The step taken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi is in the national interest, for the poor and people across the country are appreciating it.

"We are still appealing that we should discuss in parliament and should move forward in an affirmative manner, because, the issue is not related to the government, but connected with the nation's interest, poor people, the weak elements of the nation, linked to the economic growth and we don't think anyone should have problem with it. Opposing it, protesting against it and spreading rumours in the country will not be useful," he added.

The Rajya Sabha earlier witnessed noisy scenes after the opposition demanded that Prime MinisterModi should be present in the House during the resumed discussion.

Leader of the House Arun Jaitley objected to the decision of the Deputy Chairman to allow former prime minister Dr. Manmohan Singh to speak during the Zero Hour. He said if Dr Singh wants to speak on demonetisation, then the House should resume the discussion. Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi suggested that the House first take up the discussion and then allow Dr. Singh to participate.

The Lok Sabha too also witnessed uproarious scenes over demonetisation. Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge stuck to his party's stand to discuss the demonetisation issue suspending Question Hour. Later, opposition members including Congress, TMC, SP and NCP trooped into the well shouting slogans.