Don't allow Islamic banking, says Shiv Sena MP

NEW DELHI: Pleas for not allowing "Islamic window" in the banking system, favouring early construction of SYL canal and granting reservation to the Maratha community were made in the Lok Sabha in the Zero Hour today.

Shiv Sena member Chandrakant Khaire expressed himself against allowing an Islamic window saying this banking system was based on Sharia law.

His demand came amid reports that the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has proposed opening of "Islamic window" in conventional banks for "gradual" introduction of Sharia- compliant or interest-free banking in the country. Sharia prohibits acceptance of specific interest or fees for loans.


Both the Centre and RBI have been exploring the possibility of introduction of Islamic banking for long to ensure financial inclusion of those sections of the society that remain excluded due to religious reasons.

Dushyant Chautala (INLD) demanded that the construction of SYL canal should be started under the protection of paramilitary forces in the wake of the decision of the Supreme Court in the Presidential reference.

The member from Haryana wanted the Prime Minister to take the House into confidence on how the government planned to go ahead with the construction.

His demand came amid reports that Punjab and Haryana are set for another face-off on the issue of sharing water from the Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) canal as the Punjab Assembly had last month passed two resolutions -- one against the construction of the canal and the other demanding a levy on water to non-riparian states. Haryana has been dubbing Punjab's moves as "unconstitutional".

Shrirang Barane (Shiv Sena) underlined the need for granting reservation to the Marathas saying the community had taken out peaceful marches all over Maharashtra as also some places outside to press the demand.