Rahul Gandhi calls demonetisation a foolish decision; govt hits out at Opposition

Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi said that the Opposition wanted discussion and voting on demonetisation topic, but accused the government of not wanting the same.

New Delhi: Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi on Thursday described Prime Minister Narendra Modi's demonetisation move as “a foolish decision”.

Opposition leaders today observed a 'Black Day' in Parliament premises to mark one month of the announcement of demonetisation.

Leading the protest, Gandhi said the demonetisation decision was taken without much deliberation.

“The PM's so-called bold demonetisation move is a foolish decision which has devastated the country,” said Gandhi.

Gandhi further said that the Opposition wanted discussion and voting on the topic, but accused the government of shying away from the same.

Lashing out at Rahul Gandhi, Union Minister M Venkaiah Naidu said those observing a 'Black Day' are actually observing "Black Money Support Day".

"Our opponents particularly the Congress I am told are observing a Black Day. I say what they are observing is a 'Black Money Support Day'.”

"Dharna by opposition parties near Gandhi statute in Parliament premises is a big 'tamasha' and an insult to the Father of Nation," Naidu said.

As part of the protests, the opposition leaders held a dharna at Gandhi statue in Parliament premises.

While Congress leaders are gathering near the Gandhi statue in Parliament, the party was "moving away" from the spirit of the Mahatma, he said.

Not allowing Parliament to function only reflects "contempt" of democracy, he told reporters at a photo exhibition organised by photojournalists.