PM Modi running govt. of 15 industrialists: Rahul Gandhi

Raising suspicion on the BJP-led NDA regime's commitment to combat the menace of black money in wake of the demonetisation move, Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is running the government of 15 industrialists.

Asserting that the poor and farmers are in miseries post the ban on high denomination notes, Gandhi said none of the Prime Minister's industrialist friends were seen toiling in long queues outside banks or ATMs' for cash.

"Narendra Modi is running the government of 15 people. I cannot name them as you all are well-aware that whom I am talking about. The farmers and the poor are suffering," Gandhi told the Congress workers here.

"Modi ji brought demonetisation. Did you see any rich person standing in the queue? I will tell you what is happening, the common man is standing in the line and is depositing money and this government will give this money to all rich industrialists," he added.

The Congress vice-president's fresh salvo at the Prime Minister comes as a united opposition is cornering the government in Parliament over the decision to scrap high-value currency.

The Rajya Sabha is presently discussing the demonetisation issue with Congress leader Anand Sharma leading the opposition's attack on the government.

Sharma, the deputy leader of opposition in Rajya Sabha, accused the government of bringing in "financial anarchy" with the sudden ban on Rs. 500 and Rs. 1,000 notes last week.

"I condemn the Prime Minister. He should apologise for saying that the poor people standing in queues for five-six days are scamsters," Sharma said.

"Is this law? Is this fighting black money? You have brought financial anarchy to the country," he added.

Prime Minister Modi earlier today called for a healthy debate on various issues including the Goods and Services Tax (GST) during the Winter Session of Parliament.

The Prime Minister had earlier exhorted all the opposition parties to cooperate and extend support to the government's crusade against black money and corruption.