'PM Narendra Modi, Please Explain Who Wants To Kill You': Anand Sharma In Parliament

New Delhi: In a searing attack in parliament on the government's currency ban, Congress leader Anand Sharma today demanded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi explain his comments alleging a threat to his life.

"Who is threatening you? Who wants to kill you, tell parliament," Mr Sharma said, opening the discussion in the Rajya Sabha on the notes ban and its impact.

"He beat his chest and said I've given up everything. You go all around the world, what sacrifice is this?" sneered the former minister.

Without taking names but apparently referring to opposition criticism, PM Modi had said at a public meeting in Goa on Sunday: "I know the forces are against me, they may not let me live... they may ruin me because their loot of 70 years is in trouble, but am prepared."

Mr Sharma remarked: "Let us know who it is, we want a long life for the PM."

The Congress leader accused the government of bringing in "financial anarchy" with the sudden ban on Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes last week, which has left millions queuing up at banks and ATMs for cash.

"I condemn the prime minister. He should apologise for saying that the poor people standing in queues for five-six days are scamsters," Mr Sharma said.

The opposition has planned a united offensive against the government's sudden move to pull out the two biggest currency notes from circulation. In a late night announcement last Tuesday, PM Modi said this was necessary to bring black or untaxed money into the economic mainstream.

"You have created an environment where you cannot ask questions. If you ask questions then questions are raised on your patriotism," Mr Sharma said.

He also charged that the move was leaked to select persons.

"You said there has to be secrecy, or else, criminals and terrorists would come to know. You did not keep it secret," he thundered. "You leaked it selectively. BJP units deposited crores into banks before the ban," alleged the former minister.