Rahul Gandhi said PM Narendra Modi was 'terrified' of the information he had.
Highlights
- Have information of personal corruption by PM, says Rahul
- Want to speak in parliament, not being allowed, he says
- Rahul Gandhi making a joke of himself, says BJP
Days after promising an "earthquake" in parliament if he spoke on the notes ban, Rahul Gandhi claimed today that he had explosive information on "personal corruption" of Prime Minister Narendra Modi that would "explode his balloon" but he was not being allowed to speak in the house.
"Read my lips... the PM is personally terrified of the information I have, we have. It is personal corruption of the PM that we have detailed information on," the Congress Number 2 declared, flanked by leaders of 15 opposition parties as he spoke to the media in Parliament House.
"My information is personal information on Narendra Modiji, which I want to put out in the Lok Sabha. I want to say it there as an elected member of parliament," he added.
The ruling BJP immediately shot back that "Rahul Gandhi is making a joke of himself."
"The allegation was made out of desperation and he should apologise to the nation," said Union Minister Ananth Kumar.
The opposition spoke to the press shortly after the Lok Sabha adjourned for the day amid noisy protests against the government's decision to ban 500 and 1,000 rupee notes to check tax evasion, leaving 86 per cent of the cash in circulation completely worthless and causing a scramble for banks and ATMs.
Mr Gandhi said he was speaking for all opposition parties as he demanded: "The prime minister should stop taking alibis and he should come to the House and give all of us an opportunity to speak."
Last week, the Congress leader had said, "If they allow me to speak in parliament you'll see what an earthquake is going to come".
The government says PM Modi is ready to speak in a debate on the notes ban.
As the Prime Minister sat in the Lok Sabha this morning, it was adjourned within minutes amid slogan shouting, an indicator that the last three days of the winter session are likely to be washed out.
Soon after his sensational assertions outside the house, the Congress Vice President was skewered by BJP leaders.
"We dare Rahul Gandhi to release what he has," said party lawmaker Nishikant Dubey.