Opposition running away from debate on demonetisation: Prasad

Accusing opposition parties of "running away" from a debate on the demonetisation issue in Parliament, Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad today said.

By PTI

Updated: Tuesday, November 22, 2016, 15:44 [IST]

New Delhi, Nov 22: Accusing opposition parties of "running away" from a debate on the demonetisation issue in Parliament, Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad today said it only shows they are not serious in the fight against corruption.

Prasad said there should be a debate on the issue and the government is willing to listen to the Opposition's viewpoint and also respond. "But let me ask a counter question, why is the opposition running away from a debate? Should we presume that they have nothing concrete to offer or they are not willing to hear our response?" he wondered.

The minister claimed that the measure to demonetise the Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes is being supported by the entire country, adding that the government has taken proactive steps for farmers or families to help them manage circumstances like weddings.

"Running away from a debate clearly shows, they are not serious in the fight against corruption. We have the people of India on our side," he alleged. Hitting out at the Congress, Prasad said that the party is losing all moorings of statesmanship.

"Do we do politics everywhere? Then I am entitled to ask a counter question, are you serious in the fight against corruption or not? In the fight against black money or not?

Today, the backbone of Maoists has been broken, the backbone of terrorists has been broken," Prasad claimed, adding that demonetisation is already showing positive results.

Prasad also took a swipe at AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal, saying he has nothing left to govern in Delhi and he is always bent on opposition. "But we are worried about why Mamata (Banerjee) ji is doing. Why Left?

"They are supposed to have articulated issues of propriety and probity in public life and this far-reaching change is going to implement in a very, very profound way," he added.

PTI