Modi slams opposition, tells BJP MPs to tout cashless economy

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday slammed the opposition for obstructing Parliament's functioning over demonestisation and asked BJP MPs to encourage people to embrace a digital and cashless economy.

Attending a Bharatiya Janata Party Parliamentary Party meeting here, the Prime Minister also thanked the people for their support for the November 8 demonetisation of high-value Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar said Modi wanted a public awareness campaign, similar to one on the use of electronic voting machines in eletions, to be put into effect to encourage people to go cashless economy.

"The opposition is not allowing Parliament to function. I went to the Rajya Sabha but they shouted slogans. Despite this, I sat there. We are ready to discuss but they are reluctant. You go to your areas, talk to the people and expose the opposition," a BJP leader present at the meeting quoted Modi as saying.

According to informed sources, Modi said: "Janshakti hamare sath hai aur janshakti hamesha rajshakti se upar hoti hai (People's power is with us and it is above political power)."

The sources quoted Modi as saying that the people are helping one another after demonetisation in a similar way they help one another during natural calamities.

Ananth Kumar said the government has made it clear on several occasions that the Prime Minister will speak on demonetisation in both the houses but the opposition is creating a ruckus due to their political agenda.

Ananth Kumar said the Congress and the Trinamool Congress members are stalling the proceedings even though the government is willing to hold discussion.

The minister said the BJP Parliamentary Party passed a resolution to hail public support for the demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes, which has led to cash crunch across the country.

The resolution was proposed by Home Minister Rajnath Singh and seconded by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley.

Another resolution was passed to ensure a smooth functioning of both houses of Parliament.

The meeting condoled the demise of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa on Monday and noted journalist Cho Ramaswamy on Wednesday.

--IANS

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