Azad's comments on demonetisation atrocious, anti-national: Ananth Kumar

Azad on Thursday made certain comments linking Uri terror attack casualties to the deaths during demonetisation crisis

Rebuking Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad for linking Uri terror attack casualties to the deaths during demonetisation, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar on Thursday said the remarks by former union minister are "atrocious, anti-national and an insult to the martyrs."

Azad, who is the leader of the Opposition in Rajya Sabha, on Thursday in the house made certain comments linking Uri terror attack casualties to the deaths during demonetisation "crisis".

Azad said 40 people had died following government's decision on demonetisation and that these many casualties had not occurred even in the terror attack on Uri army camp.

The army base camp in Uri was attacked by the terrorists in September this year, in which 19 army personnel had been killed.

"Such remarks shows frustration and desperation of the Congress's top leadership following the positive response from the public to the demonetisation move. Azad has not only insulted the martyrs of Uri attack but in a way has also given a certificate to Pakistan sponsored terrorists," Kumar told PTI.

His comments have not only hurt the sentiments of the public but are also a blow to our soldiers who are working day and night for their country, he added.



"Such remarks are atrocious, anti-national and insult to the martyrs. Therefore, we demand an unconditional apology from Azad to the people of India," Kumar said.

The parliamentary affairs minister reiterated that government is ready for discussion on issues related to the implementation of demonetisation and even ready to consider the opposition's suggestions if they have any.

"We have already told and requested opposition parties for demonetisation. And we are surprised that after having a debate for one day how come opposition itself is obstructing and now running away from discussion on this issue," he added.

Kumar further said the government is ready to start a discussion on the demonetisation issue from Friday.

It is strange to note that, all political parties on record have stated that they are against the menace of black money, but they are running away from a debate on the same, he added.

READ OUR FULL COVERAGE ON THE MODI GOVT'S DEMONETISATION MOVE