The demonetisation of currency worth over Rs 14 lakh crore has not only dampened economic activity around the country — with even the Reserve Bank of India governor adopting a “fairly hawkish monetary policy” — it has paralysed the winter session of Parliament as well.
In this context, veteran Bharatiya Janata Party leader and its margdarshak L K Advani’s admonition is significant. Why should the government shy away from agreeing to the Opposition demand for a debate on demonetisation under a rule that entails voting, given its clear majority in the Lok Sabha? Is the government worried that those in the treasury benches voting for such a drastic measure would also be held accountable for the adverse consequences of demonetisation on the suffering citizens?
Contrary to Finance Minister Arun Jaitley’s accusation, it is the ruling dispensation that is running away from a debate. Ruling party leaders, in particular senior leaders, should tone down their belligerence towards the Opposition’s demands. This is not the time for the parliamentary affairs minister to gloat over the popularity of our prime minister in a poll conducted by a foreign agency. Instead, he should focus on the functioning of Parliament.
S K Choudhury, Bengaluru
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