Opposition seeks Modi's apology, disrupts Rajya Sabha

The Rajya Sabha on Friday was adjourned twice amid chaos as the opposition sought Prime Minister Narendra Modi's apology for saying that demonetisation was being denounced because its critics had been tripped by the sudden announcement.

The House was adjourned in quick succession. It was first adjourned till noon and later till 2.30 p.m.

Soon after it met in the morning, opposition members were on their feet demanding Modi's apology for his remarks that its critics were not given any time to "save" their unaccounted money.

The Leader of the Opposition, Ghulam Nabi Azad, said it was promised on Thursday that Modi would sit through the debate on the ban on 500 and 1,000 rupee notes but he did not.

All opposition parties, including the Congress, BSP, Samajwadi Party and Trinamool Congress, who had been vociferous critics of the demonetisation, vociferously sought Modi's apology.

The Prime Minister should come to the House and apologise, they demanded.

The Upper House again witnessed similar noisy scenes after it met at 12 noon.

Speaking at a book release function earlier and clearly referring to the opposition, Modi said they would have been happy with the demonetisation decision had the government informed them in advance.

Both the Houses of Parliament have been disrupted over demonetisation since the winter session began.

--IANS

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