Parliament to hold debate on black money today?

Mangalore Today News Network

New Delhi, Nov 26, 2014:  A day after the Opposition disrupted the proceedings of Parliament on the first working day of the Winter Session over the issue of black money, the issue will be taken up for a detailed discussion in both the Houses on Wednesday.

 

Mamata Banerjee’s Trinamool Congress (TMC) raised the issue of black money and held protests both inside and outside Parliament holding black umbrellas. The TMC, backed by the Janata Dal (U), also moved a motion calling for the suspension of Question Hour and seeking a debate in the Rajya Sabha on the issue.

A united Opposition alleged that the Narendra Modi government has not fulfilled its poll promise to bring back black money in 100 days.

"100 days are over, where is the black money?" chanted members of TMC, Congress, RJD, Samajwadi Party and AAP, who stormed the Well of the Lok Sabha, minutes after it assembled for the day.

The Rajya Sabha also saw uproarious scenes over the issue, with members from JDU, SP and TMC on their feet when the House assembled for the day. They kept shouting slogans and waving papers attacking the government on the black money issue.

While Finance Minister Arun Jaitley gave the assurance in Rajya Sabha, Parliamentary Affairs Minister M Venkaiah Naidu gave the promise in Lok Sabha.

TMC leader Derek O’Brien raised the issue in Rajya Sabha after lunch saying, "The Government has made some assurances outside the House on bringing back black money. But no black money has come...There was a lot of hope on this issue, but the government is not delivering. There has to be some structured discussion on this issue. This is not about one or two political parties but all the parties."

Responding to this, Jaitley said the member raised an important issue and the government is "too willing to discuss the issue" whenever the parties want in consultation with the Chairman.

Naidu said the government had nothing to hide and was ready to discuss the issue. He said the government has done a lot in the last six months on the black money issue.

Besides, the Delhi Special Police Establishment Bill (Amendment) is expected to be cleared in Lok Sabha today. Other important Bills for consideration and passage include The Insurance Laws Amendment Bill, The Real Estate Regulation and Development Bill and the Anti-Hijacking Bill.

(With inputs from PTI)