PM can speak at pop concert but not Parliament: Rahul takes dig at Modi

New Delhi: Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday took a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the demonetisation issue and lamented that the leader had time to address television and pop concerts but not the Parliament.

"The Prime Minister can speak on television, at a pop concert, but not to Parliament," Rahul said, referring to Modi’s address at the recent Global Citizens Festival concert in Mumbai via video-conference, which featured the popular band Coldplay.

The Congress has been demanding that Modi make a statement in the Parliament over his government’s decision to demonetise Rs 500 and 1000 notes.

At a meeting of Opposition parties on Monday, which was also attended by Rahul Gandhi, it was decided that these parties will continue to press for an adjournment motion in Lok Sabha and a debate under a rule which entails voting.

Proceedings in the Lower House have already been washed out during the last two working days because of these demands.

Rajya Sabha, which saw day-long inconclusive debate on demonetisation on the opening day of the session on November 16, has failed to function as the opposition has been pressing for the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the House before the discussion could be resumed.

The government has refused to accept this demand, saying Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has been present in the House all through the debate and he will reply to it.