Minutes after Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi said that an "earthquake will come" if he gets the opportunity to speak over demonetisation in Lok Sabha, Union Minister for Textiles Smriti Irani hit back at the ‘young’ leader, saying he is overestimating his debating skills.
“Rahul is overestimating his debating skills. Even he knows how good he is in front of the people. As Parliament is the platform of debate and discussion, I welcome him to come forth,” Union Minister for Textiles Smriti Irani said.
Meanwhile, commenting on Rahul Gandhi’s ‘earthquake’ remarks Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju said: “Earthquake effect is seen more in the Congress party rather than in others.”
“Centre is open for a debate, but the opposition is only running away from it by putting unnecessary excuses,” Rijiju added.
Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi today accused the government of not allowing him to speak in Parliament despite his speech being ready. He further alleged that the government’s demonetisation move was the biggest scam in the history of India.
"For the last one month I want to speak in the Lok Sabha... want to speak what is in the heart of the poor across the country about demonetisation," Gandhi told the media here in the Parliament premises.
"If they allow me to speak in Parliament then you shall see that an earthquake will happen," Gandhi said.
Hitting out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Gandhi said: "He is giving speeches across the country, but scared of coming in the Lok Sabha. Why is he running away from debate? They are not ready to sit in the Lok Sabha. What is the reason?"
"This is the biggest scam of India's history. If I say this inside the House, Modiji will not be able to sit. I want to talk about the biggest scam that has been orchestrated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, but I am being stopped from speaking," he added.
The government on November 8 announced spiking of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes to curb "black money and corruption". The spiking of the high value notes has led to a cash crunch across the country.
(With agencies input)