Congress, opposition parties trying to save those with black money: Government

NEW DELHI: The Government today hit back at the Congress and other opposition parties over black money issue, saying those making noise over it now are "helping" those who have illegal money in bank accounts abroad.

Union minister Prakash Javadekar told reporters outside Parliament that BJP-led government has commenced work on bringing back black money stashed abroad.

"Those who are jittery due to our action and people from the Congress are trying to save people having black money," he said, noting that the previous UPA government did not constitute SIT, as asked by the Supreme Court, for two and a half years while BJP did so within "two and a half days" of assuming power.

The apex court has also acknowledged and praised the updated information provided by the government to SIT, the minister claimed.

Dismissing demand that the names of those having black money in bank accounts abroad be disclosed, Javadekar said it would prompt other countries to stop providing India more information.

The issue of black money created uproar in Lok Sabha on the first working day of the Winter Session with the opposition parties asking the government to fulfil its promise of bringing back the illegal wealth.

As soon as the House met for the day, members from Trinamool Congress (TMC) rushed to the Well holding black umbrellas with slogans like 'bring back black money' inscribed on them.

They were soon joined by members from the Congress, RJD, AAP and Samajwadi Party who also raised slogans demanding a response from Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the issue.