TMC to boycott first two days of Budget Session as protest against demonetization

Angry over the government's demonetisation move and arrest of its party leaders in the alleged chit-fund scam, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) has decided not to attend the first two days of the Budget Session of Parliament.

The TMC, in a statement, said that it would remain absent on the first two days of the Budget Session in protest against demonetisation, which was implemented without taking Parliament into confidence, and restrictions on withdrawal limits from bank accounts which are still in force.

"In the ensuing session, Trinamool will, among other issues, raise the issue of the illegal arrest of its Lok Sabha leader and another MP which is a clear case of political vendetta by the ruling party at the Centre by misusing CBI and abusing its power," it added.

This comes hours after the TMC which has been vocal against demonetisation decided not to attend the pre-budget all-party meet called by the Centre as West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has directed all party MPs to attend a meeting at her Kalighat residence in Kolkata.

Mamata had earlier questioned the February 1 date for the Union Budget.

Ahead of the Budget Session, an all-party meeting was held today to seek the opposition's support for smooth conduct of proceedings in both the houses of Parliament.

A similar meeting has been convened by Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan.

Sixteen opposition parties had this month moved the Election Commission urging the poll body to ask the government to present the Budget 2017 after the assembly elections in five states of Goa, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Manipur and Goa.