Congress running away from discussion on demonetisation: Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi

NEW DELHI: Union minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi today said Congress was running away from a discussion on demonetisation in Parliament even when the government wanted a positive debate and was open to suggestions.

He said the government was for a "positive" discussion on the issue in a conducive environment.

"It is open to positive suggestions from the Opposition. But the rival parties, especially Congress, do not have anything to say in this regard," Naqvi said.

"On the first day of the session, we consented to a debate on the issue of demonetisation and black money without wasting any time. But on the second day, the Opposition, Congress in particular, tried to run away from it," he said.

"We are ready for a debate on every issue. We are prepared to answer every question. But we want that Congress stop turning tail and participate in the discussion," the Union Minister of Minority Affairs said.

Asked about Congress' demand that a debate on the issue of demonetisation be initiated in Parliament under Rule 56 that entails voting, he said, "The meaning of the debate will be lost if we get bogged down by rules and regulations."