With a riled opposition all set to corner the government in the Winter Session of Parliament beginning today, Communist Party of India (CPI) leader D. Raja on Wednesday stated that his party is committed to fight the menace of black money and corruption but added that the Centre's decision lacks adequate logic and rationale.
Talking about the Left's future strategy, Raja said it all depends upon how the government is going to respond to the issues raised by the opposition.
"Of course in the all-party meeting convened by the Parliamentary Affairs Minister, we have made it very clear that issue should be given priority and this has to be discussed," he told ANI.
Raja said that the common people are passing through extreme hardships and sufferings due to demonetisation.
"The people are in trouble. It's not that we compromise against the struggle against black money. In fact, the Left parties are consistent in fighting corruption, black money, fake currency. Nobody can question the commitment of the Left," he added.
The CPI leader further said that the Centre's decision of demonetisation is targeting the savings in the country.
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"We have many questions to ask the government. It is the Prime Minister, who promised that he would bring back the black money stashed in foreign banks and every citizen will get Rs. 15 lakh per head. Now they are not speaking on that issue. This decision is targeting the savings in the country. What about the huge non-performing assets? Why is the government refusing to reveal the names of the wilful defaulters?" he added.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that he was optimistic of a positive Winter Session and reached out to all political parties while stating that the government was ready for any debate.
"In the last session an important bill like the GST was passed, it was a big step. I had thanked all parties then. In the Winter Session, a very positive discussion will happen and on all issues with contribution of all parties," said Prime Minister Modi outside the Parliament.
"Our government believes in discussing all issues and we are ready to debate on any topic," he added.
Yesterday, Prime Minister Modi exhorted all the opposition parties to cooperate and extend support to the government's crusade against black money and corruption.
The Prime Minister also urged the opposition parties to put forth their arguments in a fruitful manner in order to ensure smooth passage of business during the session.
He further reminded the opposition parties that they were cooperative during the passage of the GST and requested them for cooperation both inside and outside the house with regard to the government's crusade against corruption, black money and fake currency which are affecting the common man.
The Prime Minister further called on the opposition parties, during the all-party meet, to come out with a solution with regard to conducting simultaneous Lok Sabha and assembly elections and the state government's role in funding elections.
Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, earlier on Sunday said that the Congress MPs would raise the demonetisation issue under Rules 56 and 193 during the Winter Session.
Deputy Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha, Anand Sharma, has already given a notice for the suspension of business under Rule 267 of the Upper House for a discussion on the same issue.
Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Ghulam Nabi Azad, has also given a notice under Rule 267 for discussion on the issue of Kashmir unrest.