Government running away from discussion on demonetisation: Mallikarjun Kharge

NEW DELHI: Congress leader in Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge today said the government is "running away" from discussion on demonetisation in the Parliament and raking up issues like AgustaWestland to divert from the issue of note ban.

"They (members of Treasury benches) are bringing big big posters of AgustaWest...in the House. What is this? This is for diverting the issue of demonetisation. They are trying one or other excuse for adjourning the House," he said in Parliament premises here.

Kharge said AgustaWestland issue has "already been discussed before two sessions" and "all the documents were presented" at that time.

"AgustaWestland has been discussed but demonetisation not. Their intention is to divert. Hit and run (policy)...If you want to discuss now, then bring it under different rule. We are ready for discussion. Why do you want to divert the issue of demonetisation?" he asked.

On Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi's comment on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said," You (government) must allow us to speak (in the House)."

Gandhi had yesterday alleged that he has detailed information about "personal corruption" by Prime Minister Narendra Modi which he wants to present in Lok Sabha but is not being allowed to do so by the PM.

On a query whether Gandhi will put out the information in public domain as the Winter session ends tomorrow, Kharge said, "Let us see...we will make our strategy."

Congress leader Jyotiraditya Scindia said, "We will certainly have a strategy in place for that as well (putting in public domain). Today if our voices are being stifled in Parliament, we have to look at other forums where we put our views across and we will certainly do that."

He said Gandhi is "committed to express his views as Member of Parliament and public servant and representative of people" in the House when the session is going on.

Meanwhile, Kharge charged the BJP Parliamentarians for "creating ruckus" in the House, alleging "their intention is that in any circumstance, there should be no discussion on demonetisation and not let Rahul Gandhi to speak."

He said when the Treasury benches "create ruckus" in the House, it is adjourned with minutes and it indicates that the government is "running away from discussion".

"...when we agitate for hours on important issues, the House is never adjourned but when government people are creating ruckus, then in five minutes-two minutes House is adjourned. This means that government is running away from discussion and do not want discussion," he said.