Oppn demands apology from PM Modi over remarks against note ban critics

Ghulam Nabi Azad also demanded the proceedings must be suspended under Rule 267 to discuss demonetisation

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Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha, Ghulam Nabi Azad, on Friday asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to tender an apology in Parliament over his baseless remarks accusing the opposition parties of favouring black money.

Azad, who led the opposition charge, demanded that the proceedings must be suspended under Rule 267 to discuss demonetisation besides Prime Minister Modi's presence in the Upper House.

"In today's book release function, the Prime Minister made some statements. He should apologise for that. The way he has made allegations that the opposition parties are in favour of black money, it is an insult to the Parliament and all the opposition parties. How can he make such allegations against us?" Azad told Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman P J Kurien.

Raising similar concerns, Janata Dal (United) MP Sharad Yadav and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supremo Mayawati also demanded an apology from the Prime Minister.

"Prime Minister Modi made serious allegations against the opposition. He must apologise," Yadav said.

"He must come to the House and apologise to the opposition for his remarks. He must also clarify who has the black money," said Mayawati.

In response, the Deputy-Chairman agreed to accept the motion passed by the Leader of Opposition but without any conditions imposed.

However, the opposition remained adamant in their demand and asked the Prime Minister to be present while refusing to hold any discussions without the latter's presence in the House.

The Rajya Sabha was adjourned till noon as a united opposition continued to disrupt the proceedings.