Congress escaping discussion by stalling Parliament: Naidu

Venkaiah Naidu on Thursday said the Congress was trying to wriggle out of the discussion over demonetisation by creating a ruckus in Parliament.

New Delhi, Nov 17: Union Urban Development Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu on Thursday said the Congress was trying to wriggle out of the discussion over demonetisation by creating a ruckus in Parliament.

Speaking to reporters outside Parliament, Naidu said that the Prime Minister was not required to speak on "every issue" and that the opposition's demand would be considered as per "rules and traditions".

"The Congress, by making such demands and by creating a hullabaloo in the house, is trying to wriggle out of the discussion over demonetisation. They know it is going against them," Naidu said.

"The Prime Minister is not required to speak on every issue. There are rules and procedures in place. The decision would be taken as per rules and traditions," he added.

The Congress members in the Rajya Sabha, as also other opposition members, demanded Prime Minister Narendra Modi's presence as soon as it met on Thursday.

"Till the Prime Minister comes to the house for discussion we will not let the house function," Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azaad said in Rajya Sabha

The opposition has been demanding Modi's presence since Wednesday, the first day of the winter session.

IANS