 "People queue up outside a bank to exchange their old Rs 500 and 1000 notes")
The Narendra Modi government has called the customary all party meeting on the eve of the winter session of Parliament that starts Wednesday. The opposition, particularly the Congress and Trinamool Congress, are set to raise the issue of demonetization and how it has inconvenienced common people.
But opposition ranks lack unanimity as several of the parties do not want to be seen opposing the move lest they are painted as defending ‘black money’ and corruption.
But opposition ranks lack unanimity as several of the parties do not want to be seen opposing the move lest they are painted as defending ‘black money’ and corruption.
Today, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said attempted to build consensus. She spoke with several political leaders, including with arch rival Communist Party of India (Marxist)’s, to fight the government’s “financial anarchy” together. Banerjee also called up President Pranab Mukherjee to seek time to brief him, along with other political leaders, about the hardships that common people are facing. A meeting, she said, is slated for Wednesday or Thursday.
But opposition ranks lack unanimity on the issue. Nationalist Congress Party chief Sharad Pawar has praised the PM’s decision. Odisha Chief Minister and Biju Janata Dal chief Naveen Patnaik, Janata Dal (United) chief and Bihar CM Nitish Kumar and even Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav have largely welcomed the move. These are parties with significant numbers in the Rajya Sabha, where the government is in minority.
The CPI (M), while critical of the move, doesn’t want to be seen standing with Banerjee. CPI (M)’s Lok Sabha member Md Salim today said that Trinamool is drowned in corruption and shields culprits. Parties are wary that the issue might become in public view of “an honest Modi versus the rest who are defending the corrupt.” The opposition parties are likely to question the poor planning, rather than the intent. The government has indicated it would be willing to discuss all issues, including demonetization.
The forthcoming winter session, from 16 November to 16 December, will have the government introduce the Central Goods and Services Tax (CGST), Integrated GST and GST (Compensation for Loss of Revenue) Bills, 2016. It hopes for the passage of these bills to meet enable it to meet the GST rollout date of 1 April, 2017.
Other Bills likely to come up for considerations, include the Indian Institute of Management Bill and the Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill, the Divorce (Amendment) Bill, among others.
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