PM Modi doesn't need certificate from Rahul Gandhi: BJP

Taking potshots at Rahul Gandhi for accusing Narendra Modi of functioning on his own and not even consulting his ministers, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday said that the Prime Minister does not need a certificate from the Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi but from the nation.

"The people are standing with the Modi Government. They know whether they face problem or not, it is in national interest," BJP leader Shaina NC told ANI.

Minister of State for Minority Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi echoing similar sentiments said that the government is ready for a debate on the demonetisation issue in Parliament but the opposition is finding unnecessary excuses.

"This desperation is not for ban on high-value currency but because of the steps initiated to get rid of the black money. We have appealed to the opposition that they should discuss and debate the issue but unfortunately they don't want to discuss it and are finding excuses," he said.

The Congress vice-president yesterday hit out against the Centre's move to discontinue old Rs. 500 and Rs. 1,000 notes.

Taking a jibe at Prime Minister Modi, Gandhi said: "He doesn't even take inputs from his ministers, does whatever comes to his mind."

Gandhi claimed that banks are dispensing cash to a select few through backdoor.

"The people standing in queues told me that banks are cutting deals. Only select people are getting cash," he said.

Meanwhile, the Lok Sabha witnessed uproarious scene today as a united opposition stuck to its demand to discuss the demonetisation issue under rules entailing voting.

As soon as the House assembled, Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge reiterated that the Question Hour should be suspended to start the discussion.

Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan, however, did not allow the suspension.

Opposition members belonging to the Congress, Trinamool Congress (TMC), Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and Samajwadi Party trooped into the well of the House shouting slogans.

Amid the din, Speaker adjourned the House till noon.